Source: Kochi, Kerala (VSK).
Reports suggest, the terrorist outfit IS have conducted bomb tests in Kerala. The idea must be large-scale explosions in the state. They have selected crowded spots to ensure maximum harm to innocent people. Tests were carried out in Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). It is also reported that plaster of Paris was used for the tests. The information has been gathered during the interrogation of the suspects arrested in Karnataka. Earlier there were reports that IS and its followers in Dakshin Bharat have been plotting major explosions in Kerala.
Investigators found that the team acquired the required equipment though online purchase. Their idea was to build up the influence of IS, cause casualties through remote-controlled explosions and unleash fear. They tested the explosives with plaster of Paris to avoid sound and attention.
Ashif, a Keralite terrorist, who was arrested recently had revealed to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) that his people had hatched the plot for major explosions in Kerala. They had zeroed in on some places of worship and some leaders. But, the designs of the global terror module was killed, thanks to the timely intervention of NIA. Ashif and his terrorist friends have been remanded; now they undergo interrogation. It is likely to unearth the links between the Kerala terrorists and their counter parts in IS centres in Afghanistan.
Meanwhile there are reports that Malayali terrorists got arms training in Syria. NIA is reported to have found that Kerala group of IS got in touch with Afghan terrorist leaders. The report say, they were in touch with Syrian trainers through telegram group. Investigation is extended to the subscribers of the telegram group. Terrorists, who are having good rapport with Ashif got training, in Syria. Earlier these people reportedly attended training camps in the forests in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka where they got terror training. They underwent Syrian training after attending these camps. Now, search is on for one Siraj, a close associate of the terrorists arrested in Karnataka. NIA guess that he has fled for Syria. Thrissur native Ashif who is reported to have plotted terror attacks in Kerala and three others who are in NIA custody got attracted to terrorist ideologies during their employment in Gulf countries. Then they started activities along with like-minded people, according to Ashif’s statement before the police. Telegram group was started for this.
Investigation team examines Ashif’s itineraries in the past. It is being investigated which countries he travelled to from Gulf countries. It is because, the Agency got wind of his interactions with IS chieftains in Afghanistan and other terror havens.
Latest reports from Tamil Nadu suggest that NIA has raided 24 houses, on July 23, in Tamil Nadu including that of the outlawed PFI’s state president Mubaraq. Raids were carried out in places like Madurai, Coimbatore, Thanjavur and Puthukkottai. Mobile phones and laptops are confiscated during the raids. Raids are in connection with the murder of leaders who opposed forced conversions in Tamil Nadu. And, NIA is concerned about the PFI men’s activities under the garb of SDPI and other self-styled social outfits.