Pune – India’s premium agency the National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids at 41 locations across Maharashtra and Karnataka on Saturday, resulting in the arrest of 15 individuals allegedly linked to the Islamic State (ISIS).
The arrested individuals, all hailing from Pune, were taken into custody as the NIA teams conducted simultaneous searches in various cities. In Karnataka, the raids were underway at several locations, while in Maharashtra, the operation targeted areas in Pune, Thane Rural, Thane City, and Mira Bhayandar.
According to sources within the NIA, the investigation has uncovered a larger conspiracy with international connections, indicating the involvement of foreign-based ISIS handlers in the case. The agency believes that the arrested individuals were part of a complex network dedicated to propagating the extremist ideology of ISIS within India.
The investigation revealed that the network had taken an oath of allegiance, known as Bayath, to the self-styled Khalifa (leader) of ISIS. Moreover, the individuals were found to be involved in the fabrication of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The agency suspects that the network had plans to carry out acts of terrorism on Indian soil.
The NIA’s operation underscores the seriousness with which security agencies are approaching the threat of terrorism and the efforts being made to dismantle such networks. The agency’s swift action in apprehending the individuals involved in this ISIS terror conspiracy will undoubtedly serve as a deterrent to others with similar intentions.
The NIA has been at the forefront of counterterrorism efforts in India, consistently working towards identifying and neutralizing threats posed by terrorist organizations. The agency’s focus on uncovering international connections and the involvement of foreign handlers in this case highlights the global nature of the ISIS threat and the need for international cooperation to combat terrorism effectively.
As the investigation progresses, the NIA is expected to gather further evidence and interrogate the arrested individuals to dismantle the entire network and bring all those involved to justice.
