Four suspected ISIS terrorists, arrested at Ahmedabad airport, revealed to investigators that their Pakistan-based handler was to provide them with the exact location and time for their planned attack.
The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) apprehended the four Sri Lankan nationals on Sunday night after their arrival, where they intended to execute terrorist activities on behalf of the Islamic State.
Weapon Recovery from Suspected ISIS Terrorists:
The ATS recovered three pistols and cartridges abandoned at a location in Ahmedabad. This was based on geo-coordinates on a mobile phone seized from the suspects.
Refusal to Disclose Target Location:
“So far during the interrogation, they have refused to reveal as to where exactly they were planning to carry out the terrorist attack,” said Superintendent of Police (SP), ATS, Sunil Joshi.
“All they have said so far is that their handler was going to inform them about the exact location and time of the target after they collected the weapons,” he added.
Ongoing Investigation:
The terrorists have been placed under a 14-day police remand and are being interrogated by ATS officials regarding their plans. Joshi noted that the probe agency is also questioning them. Trying to uncover any individuals who were supposed to assist them in India.
“Forensic extraction of data from their phone devices is underway. Details are being sought from the communication applications on their mobile phones, through which they stayed in touch with their Pakistani handler,” he added.
Joshi stated that mobile phones are also being technically analyzed to determine whether others were involved in helping them execute their plans.
Involvement of Other States’ Police:
Joshi mentioned that since the suspects are foreign nationals who arrived in Ahmedabad via Tamil Nadu. Police from other states and central investigation and intelligence agencies joined the probe.
The accused, identified as Mohammad Nusrat (35), Mohammad Faarukh (35), Mohammad Nafran (27), and Mohammad Rasdeen (43), took a flight from Colombo to Chennai on Sunday morning. They then took another flight to Ahmedabad, landing around 8 pm the same day.
The terrorists were booked under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and the Arms Act.
Reaction from Gujarat Minister on Suspected ISIS Terrorists:
Gujarat Minister of State for Home, Harsh Sanghavi, praised the arrest of the terrorists.
“Whether the fight is against drug mafias or terrorism, the Gujarat police are delivering a strong response. The Gujarat Police & ATS team is continually committed to defending Gujarat and the nation with vigilance and bravery. Their recent detention of four Islamic State terrorists from Sri Lanka is commendable.
Congratulations to the entire team,” he posted on X.
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