In a startling development, the Maharashtra Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) has uncovered a connection between an armed robbery at a sari shop in Satara and the accused members of the Pune ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) module. The proceeds from the robbery allegedly fueled the procurement of bomb components and financing of terrorist endeavors.
The investigation into the Pune ISIS module commenced following the arrest of three suspects last July by Pune city police. Mohammed Yusuf Khan and Mohammed Yunus Mohammed Yakub Saki from Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh, along with Mohammed Shahnawaz Alam alias Shafi from Jharkhand, were apprehended, revealing ties to previous incidents involving explosives recovery in Rajasthan.
As the case transitioned to the Maharashtra ATS, additional arrests were made, expanding the scope of the investigation. Subsequently, the NIA took over, formally identifying the group as the ‘Pune ISIS Module’ and charging seven individuals, later adding an eighth accused, Alam, arrested by the Delhi Police’s Special Cell.
Recent findings from both the NIA and ATS investigations indicate that three of the accused, Saki, Alam, and Zulfkar Ali Barodawala, orchestrated the armed robbery in Satara. Allegedly, a portion of the stolen funds was diverted towards purchasing bomb-making materials, showcasing the disturbing interplay between criminal endeavors and terrorist financing.
During court proceedings, the prosecution emphasized the imperative need for extended custody to delve into various aspects, including the procurement of bomb components, tracing the weapons used in the robbery, and exploring potential links to other terrorist activities. Consequently, the court granted a 14-day remand to the ATS for further interrogation.
The NIA’s chargesheet unveils a broader conspiracy with international ramifications, implicating foreign-based ISIS handlers and detailing plans for terrorist attacks across several Indian states. The accused individuals are alleged to have organized training camps, harbored terrorists, and prepared Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), posing a significant threat to national security.
As the investigation continues to unfold, the extent of the Pune ISIS Module’s operations and its implications for national security become increasingly evident, emphasizing the persistent challenges in combating terrorism within Indian borders.
