New Delhi, 21 July (H.S.): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday conducted searches at eight locations in Bengaluru in connection with a money laundering case linked to the alleged recruitment and funding network of the banned terrorist organisation ISIS.
The action was carried out under an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) registered on the basis of a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
According to the ED’s Bengaluru Zonal Office, the case is related to Bengaluru-based organisations, including ‘Iqra Welfare Trust’, ‘Guidance for Mankind’, and other individuals associated with them. The NIA had registered the FIR under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), including Section 17 (raising funds for terrorism), Section 18 (conspiracy or preparation for terrorist acts), and Section 18-B (recruitment of individuals for a terrorist organisation).
So far, four accused persons have been arrested in connection with the case. The NIA has also filed a chargesheet against Irfan Nasir, Ahmed Abdul Qader, Mohammed Touqeer Mahmood, Zuhab Hameed Shakeel Manna, and Mohammed Shihab.
According to the chargesheet, all the accused were allegedly associated with the banned terrorist organisation ISIS/ISIL/Daesh. They allegedly conspired to radicalise Muslim youths in Bengaluru and recruit them into ISIS.
The investigation revealed that youths were allegedly identified and influenced towards radicalisation through a personality development workshop called ‘Iqra Camp’ and associated weekly ‘Quran Circles’.
The accused allegedly raised funds, transferred money through various channels, and facilitated the illegal travel of youths to Syria through Turkey so that they could join ISIS and fight against the Syrian government. The chargesheet described these activities as involvement in acts resembling warfare against Syria, a country considered an ally of India.
The NIA investigation further revealed that the group allegedly attempted to exploit emotional issues related to protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to provoke members of the Muslim community and spread ISIS ideology through secure social media platforms.
According to the ED, the accused allegedly collected funds from individuals, trusts, and personal savings to provide financial assistance for the recruitment of youths and their foreign travel.
The agency is examining documents and digital evidence recovered during the searches. Further investigation into the matter is underway.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
