Arrests point to increased IS penetration in state

The arrest of two Chennai -based youth by Rajasthan Anti-Terror Squad and the busting of one of the biggest IS modules with roots in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Telangana, confirms that the terror outfit has managed to make huge inroads in Tamil Nadu.

Several such youth have been picked up by the local police, with support from the intelligence agencies, but the cases are seldom registered under stringent sections dealing with terrorism. Police sources said these youth are often detained after registering cases, under other sections of Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Two months ago, the Chennai  police had picked up a youth from Mannadi, after receiving reliable information that he had connections with IS, but the case booked was that of assault. The youth had made several overseas trips and had dubious financial transactions. 

“We get several such cases across the state and most of these cases are dealt under other IPC sections, unless the NIA or IB is involved,” a senior state intelligence officer told DTNext. Intelligence sources said that the IS operatives based in countries like Saudi Arabia are establishing contact with the youth travelling to these countries and offer huge payments to them, and ask if they can bring more people to their faith.

“They first offer money to convert and bring more people into their faith. Slowly, they ‘persuade’ them to join their ranks and also seek funds for IS,” the official added. 

The state intelligence forces, which routinely monitor online activities and suspicious travel plans of individuals, had intervened just in time to stop many youth from joining the ranks of IS. Many fence sitters have been ‘de-radicalised’ with the help of Muslim clerics, to stop them from joining extremist outfits.

April 2, 2016: NIA arrests four youth from Coimbatore and one from Chennai for IS connection.

April 5, 2016: NIA arrests an IS combat fighter Subahani Haja Moidheen from Tirunelveli.

Feb 6, 2017: Rajasthan ATS arrests Mohammed Iqbal, an IS sympathiser when he was smuggling gold to Chennai.

July 3, 2017: Rajasthan ATS arrests Haroon Rashid from Seven Wells on charges of donating to IS