The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted a series of raids across Tamil Nadu, resulting in the arrest of four individuals suspected of involvement in the 2022 ISIS-inspired Coimbatore car bomb blast and ISIS radicalization and recruitment activities. The agency seized a significant amount of electronic devices, including laptops, mobile phones, SIM cards, SD cards, and hard discs, during the operation conducted on Saturday.
The raids targeted 21 locations, including 11 associated with Madras Arabic College and Kovai Arabic College. These colleges were allegedly involved in the clandestine radicalization of young individuals under the guise of Arabic language classes. According to the NIA, radicalization occurred both offline, through physical classes, and online, via social media platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. The suspects allegedly used these platforms to propagate radical ideologies, including Khilafat and ISIS ideologies, contrary to India’s secular and democratic principles.
The NIA revealed that susceptible youth were recruited for terrorist activities, including the Coimbatore car bomb blast in October 2022. Investigations indicated that ten individuals arrested in connection with the blast had links to Kovai Arabic College. In addition to targeting locations associated with the colleges, the NIA teams also raided ten other places connected to the car bomb blast case.
The suspects were found to have glorified Zahran Hashim, a deceased Sri Lankan terrorist responsible for orchestrating a suicide bombing in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in 2019, which claimed the lives of over 250 civilians. Discussions related to ISIS activities and establishing the organization’s presence in India were reportedly conducted on encrypted mobile platforms. Three of the arrested individuals were associated with Madras Arabic College, including Jameel Basha Umari, who allegedly promoted fundamentalism, extremism, and radicalization through the college.
Maulvi Hussain Faizy and Irshath, former students of Jameel and Madras Arabic College, were involved in rebranding the institution as Kovai Arabic College. The fourth arrested individual, Syed Abdur Rahman Umari, was found in possession of incriminating ISIS-related literature. He was allegedly involved in propagating ISIS tenets to individuals connected with the Coimbatore car bomb blast case through secret gatherings and discussions.
The NIA emphasized that investigations into both the ISIS radicalization and recruitment case and the Coimbatore car bomb blast case are ongoing. The agency’s efforts underscore the significant challenges posed by radicalization and terrorism in the country. The coordinated raids and arrests aim to disrupt and dismantle terror networks operating within India’s borders, safeguarding the nation’s security and preserving its democratic values.
The incidents highlight the complex nature of the threat posed by extremist ideologies and the need for proactive measures to counter radicalization efforts. By targeting educational institutions and exploiting online platforms, terrorist groups attempt to indoctrinate vulnerable individuals and recruit them for violent activities. The NIA’s actions demonstrate the government’s commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.
Furthermore, the raids serve as a reminder of the ongoing global struggle against terrorism and the importance of international cooperation in addressing the root causes of extremism. By disrupting terror networks and apprehending individuals involved in radicalization and recruitment, law enforcement agencies contribute to efforts to prevent future attacks and promote peace and stability in the region.
The NIA’s operation in Tamil Nadu reflects the government’s determination to combat terrorism and safeguard the country’s democratic values. By targeting individuals and institutions involved in radicalization and recruitment, the agency aims to prevent further acts of violence and protect the nation from the threat of extremism. The arrests underscore the ongoing challenges posed by terrorism and the need for continued vigilance and cooperation in addressing this global menace.
