Islamic State Terror Conspirator Arrested at Delhi Airport
In a major development, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) announced on Thursday that they had arrested a key absconding conspirator linked to the Islamic State (IS) terror group. The arrest took place at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport when the suspect, Arafath Ali, arrived from Nairobi, Kenya. The arrest is part of the ongoing investigation into the Shivamogga ISIS terror conspiracy case.
The NIA stated that Arafath Ali was apprehended the moment he landed at the airport, marking a significant breakthrough in the agency’s efforts to uncover and foil IS’s conspiracy of foreign-based modules planning acts of terror and violence in India. Arafath had been on the run since 2020, evading arrest in connection with the terror case. During this time, he operated abroad, actively supporting the anti-India terror agenda of the IS.
According to the NIA’s investigation, Arafath Ali, who hails from Shivamogga district, played a prominent role in identifying, radicalizing, and recruiting vulnerable Muslim youth into the ISIS fold while operating from abroad.
SHIVAMOGGA ISIS TERROR ACCUSED ARAFATH ALI NABBED BY NIA AT DELHI AIRPORT, TAKEN INTO CUSTODY ON ARRIVAL FROM NAIROBI, WAS ABSCONDING SINCE 2020 pic.twitter.com/eQxSuISi12
— NIA India (@NIA_India) September 14, 2023
The Shivamogga terror conspiracy case involved Mohamed Shariq, one of the accused individuals who was en route to planting a pressure cooker improvised explosive device (IED) at Mangaluru’s Kadri Manjunatha Temple. However, the IED accidentally exploded in the auto-rickshaw.
The NIA confirmed that Arafath Ali had maintained active communication with the other accused persons in the case and was directly involved in planning and executing the conspiracy.
Additionally, Arafath Ali can be held responsible for two graffiti cases in Mangaluru in 2020. On his orders, two other accused individuals, Maaz Muneer Ahmed and Mohamed Shariq, had written anti-India statements.
The arrest of Arafath Ali is a significant milestone in the ongoing fight against terrorism. It showcases the NIA’s determination to bring all those involved in such nefarious activities to justice, regardless of where they may be hiding.
This operation will undoubtedly send a strong message to other potential terrorists that their actions will not go unnoticed, and the Indian authorities will spare no effort to ensure the safety and security of the nation. The successful arrest and continuous efforts by the NIA demonstrate the importance of international cooperation in combating terrorism and safeguarding innocent lives.
It is imperative that the investigation continues to uncover any remaining individuals involved in the conspiracy and dismantle all terrorist networks that pose a threat to India’s national security. The NIA’s actions undoubtedly underscore the commitment to protecting the country from the influences of global terror organizations.
Overall, this arrest not only serves as a triumph for the NIA but also as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in the fight against terrorism. The diligent efforts of law enforcement agencies, like the NIA, prove instrumental in maintaining peace and stability within the country and thwarting any acts of terror that threaten the welfare of its citizens.
