The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on December 26, conducted search operations across 17 locations in New Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, ended up arresting ten. The arrests were made while probing into a new ISIS-inspired module name Harkat-ul-Harb-e-Islam. They have now been sent on 12 days remand.

Soon after the arrest, the NIA officials said that the group was in an advanced stage of carrying out a series of blasts across the country. Alok Mittal, NIA Inspector General of Police, said that the group aimed to carry out explosions future remote control blasts and fidayeen attacks.

Explosives, mobile phones, cash, and ISIS related literature found

According to The Indian Express, a source said that the Central Intelligence and NIA were tipped off about the group’s activities nearly four months ago. The investigating agency said that they had seized 25 kg of explosives, 12 pistols, a country made rocket launcher, and 112 clocks to work as timers. Apart from these, the team confiscated mobile phone circuits, 51 pipes, a wireless digital doorbell for a remote switch, 91 mobile phones, electric wires, three laptops, 134 SIM cards, knife, sword, ISIS related literature and cash of worth Rs 7.5 lakhs. According to NIA, the group is self-financed.

However, as reported by Janta Ka Reporter, mother of one of the arrested suspects said that the NIA officials confiscated the pressure nozzle of their tractor and claimed it to be “rocket launcher”.

Who were the ten men arrested?

The investigating team said that the group has members from various backgrounds. Mufti Mohd Suhail, 29, a native of Amroha was working as Mufti in Madarasa at Hakim Mahtab Uddin Hashmi Road in Uttar Pradesh. According to the NIA, Mufti was the leader of the group and he assigned tasks to obtain explosives, arms, and other accessories to make pipe-bombs and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Anas Yunus, 24, a civil engineering student from Noida is a resident of North East Delhi. He was assigned to the tasks of obtaining electricals items, batteries, and alarm clocks, according to NIA.

Rashid Zafar Raq, 23, garments business owner and a resident of Jafrabad in Delhi and Saeed, 28, a welding shop owner in Uttar Pradesh were one among the ten held. Raees Ahmad, who is Saeed’s brother, also an owner of a welding shop was arrested as well. Zubair Malik, 20, is the youngest one held, is a 3rd-year student at a college under Delhi University. His brother, Zaid Mallik was also arrested in the connection to the group. Saqib Iftekar, 26, who was working in Jama Masjid in Baksar in Uttar Pradesh was helping Mufti Mohd Suhail to obtain weapons, said the NIA officials.

Mohd. Irshad who is an auto-rickshaw driver from Amroha in Uttar Pradesh was arrested. Mohd. Azam, 35, who is a pharmacist in Delhi was also held.

More arrests might happen

These arrests are considered to be one of the biggest busts in connection to the probe linked with activities related to the Islamic States. The NIA team is still questioning six more people and the no. of arrests might proliferate. A woman from Lucknow is one among others held for questioning. The woman is suspected to have supported the two accused to sell jewellery, despite knowing the money will be used for terror activities.

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