NIA charges two more in Karnataka Al-Hind ISIS module case

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has charged two additional terrorists in the Karnataka Al-Hind ISIS module case, a major terror conspiracy involving targeted killings and jihadi activities. The accused, Abdul Matheen Taha and Mussavir Hussain Shazib, both residents of Thirthahalli, Shivamogga District, Karnataka, were arrested on April 12, 2024, after evading capture for some time.

The NIA’s second supplementary chargesheet, filed on Monday, outlines various charges under the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. This brings the total number of accused charged in the case to 18. The NIA took over the investigation from the Bengaluru City police on January 23, 2020.

According to the NIA, Abdul Matheen Taha was self-radicalized and played a crucial role in radicalizing and recruiting Mussavir Hussain Shazib and others. Taha’s radicalization began in 2018 when he was introduced to an online handler known as Bhai alias Laptop Bhai. Taha later introduced Bhai to Mehaboob Pasha, who had established the Al-Hind Trust with his family in Gurupanapallaya, Bengaluru City. Pasha was responsible for linking the online handler to Khaja Mohideen, who joined the Al-Hind Trust to advance ISIS activities in India.

The investigation also revealed that Taha and Shazib harbored Thowfeek and Abdul Shameem, who were involved in the murder of Tamil Nadu Police SSI Wilson at the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. The weapon used in the crime was provided by Mehaboob Pasha. The charges against Taha and Shazib highlight their significant roles in the ISIS conspiracy and their connections to other key figures involved in the terrorist activities.