Toby Antony By

Express News Service

KOCHI: The mother of an accused person in a case pertaining to the alleged forced conversion of a Pathanamthitta native has been taken in custody on her arrival at Nedumbassery airport on Wednesday morning. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) investigating the case is interrogating her and the agency not likely to record her arrest.

According to an officer in the airport, Zeenath the mother of Muhammad Riyaz, the first accused in the case was taken into custody after a look-out-circular was issued against her. Zeenath is the 11th accused in the case. "On her arrival at Nedumbassery from Saudi Arabia, she was intercepted at the airport following the look-out circular pending against her. Soon we informed about her arrival and detention to NIA and officers of the agency are quizzing him. Her passport has been recovered," an officer said.

While NIA is not likely to record the arrest of Zeenath. NIA claims that arrest of Zeenath is not likely required as they have retrieved necessary information during the interrogation.

Zeenath had approached NIA Court seeking an anticipatory bail stating that Riyaz suffered an accident and admitted at a hospital. She likes to visit her ailing son for which anticipatory bail should be granted. In wake of her detention, the court may dismiss the petition.

The case was first registered at the North Paravoor police station after the victim filed a complaint alleging Riyas her husband forcibly converted her and made attempts to sell her to IS fighters after taking her to Saudi Arabia. She also raised rape charges against her husband. There are 11 accused in the case, of which three, including Riyaz, were arrested by the NIA after taking over the probe.

Meanwhile, the NIA has identified the absconding persons in the case. Some of the accused persons who were based in Bengaluru were tracked by the agency. NIA investigation team will record their statements. But the further arrest in the case not likely to happen as investigation team has to gather required evidence.