NIA Arrests 2 Absconders in ISIS Pune Sleeper Module Case from Mumbai Airport

Major Breakthrough: NIA Arrests Two ISIS Operatives Linked to Pune Bomb-Making Case

In a significant victory for India’s counterterrorism efforts, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended two high-profile ISIS operatives belonging to a sleeper cell of the banned terrorist organization. The arrests are linked to a 2023 Pune case involving the fabrication and testing of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

Key Details of the Arrest

Who Was Arrested? The two accused, identified as Abdul Abdullah Sheikh and Tak Khan, were intercepted by the Immigration Department at Mumbai International Airport.

How Were They Caught? The duo was returning from Jakarta (Indonesia) and was under surveillance before being detained.

Connection to ISIS: They were active members of an ISIS module and allegedly involved in IED production and bomb-testing activities.

Reward on Their Heads: Both carried a bounty of ₹3 lakhs each for their role in terror-related activities.

Background of the Case

This arrest is part of an ongoing investigation into an ISIS-linked terror module that was first uncovered in 2023.

Earlier, the Pune Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) had arrested four accused, after which the case was transferred to the NIA.

The agency later expanded the probe, leading to the arrest of eight more individuals, including key operative Zulfikar Ali Barodawala.

Bomb Testing in Forest Areas: The module had conducted IED trials in the forest regions of Pune, raising alarms about potential attacks.

Why This Arrest Matters

Disrupting Sleeper Cells: The arrests confirm the presence of ISIS sleeper cells in India, which remain a persistent threat.

Preventing Future Attacks: By neutralizing these operatives, the NIA has likely averted potential terror strikes.

Multi-Agency Success: The operation involved coordination between the NIA, Delhi Police Special Cell, and Maharashtra ATS, showcasing effective intelligence-sharing.

What’s Next?

The NIA will likely conduct further interrogations to uncover deeper networks.

Authorities remain on high alert for other potential ISIS-linked operatives still at large.

Conclusion

This arrest marks a major milestone in India’s fight against terrorism. The NIA’s relentless pursuit of ISIS operatives demonstrates that sleeper cells are being systematically dismantled. However, the threat persists, and security agencies must remain vigilant.

Stay tuned for more updates as this high-profile case unfolds. 🚨