Handler linked them, set up sleeper cell

The 10 accused charged by the Maharashtra Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) for allegedly planning terrorist activities in the State crossed paths with their handler while being radicalised on the Internet, investigating officers said on Monday.

Last week, the ATS picked up nine accused from Mumbra and Aurangabad, and charged them under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. They were allegedly found to be in possession of chemicals and in touch with an Islamic State (IS) handler based abroad. Inquiries indicated they were allegedly working for the Ummat-e-Mohammadiya (followers of Prophet Mohammed) and were tasked with carrying out a mission at the local level. On Sunday, the ATS arrested one more accused from Mumbra.

According to ATS sources, around six months ago, the accused starting reading IS-related literature online. They then began interacting with other, like-minded individuals on various discussion forums. An officer who is part of the investigation said, “While the exact sequence of events is being verified, inquiries indicate some of the accused, in the course of these discussions, started interacting with their handler. After several such conversations, during which they were further radicalised, the handler put them in touch with each other. We believe this handler is the common link between the Aurangabad module and the Mumbra module.”

The officer said this was the genesis of the Ummat-e-Mohammadiya, the second alleged IS sleeper cell to be busted in the State. The accused discussed the plan to procure chemicals and poison food or water. They were guided by their handler, who promised them a larger role in the struggle for the Global Caliphate as a reward.

In 2016, the ATS in collaboration with the National Investigation Agency had busted the Junood-e-Khalifa-e-Hind (the Army of the Caliphate in India) with the arrest of 15 alleged operatives across the country.

The officer said, “All those who were in touch with the 10 accused are currently under the scanner. We can find out if more such cells have been or are being formed in India.”