NIA Arrests Two ISIS Sleeper Cell Absconders at Mumbai Airport
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested two alleged members of an ISIS sleeper cell, Abdullah Faiyaz Shaikh and another operative, at Mumbai airport. The individuals had been absconding for over two years and were wanted in a 2023 case concerning the fabrication and testing of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in Pune, Maharashtra. Non-bailable warrants had been issued against them by the NIA Special Court in Mumbai.
Unpacked:
The second individual arrested is Talha Khan. Both were apprehended at Mumbai airport upon their return from Jakarta, Indonesia, where they had been hiding for over two years.
The arrested individuals were part of a conspiracy involving ten people to destabilize India through violent means and establish Islamic governance. Their activities included assembling and testing IEDs in Pune and conducting bomb-making workshops.
The fugitives were intercepted by Immigration authorities at Mumbai airport as they attempted to return from Jakarta, Indonesia. The NIA had declared a cash reward for information leading to their capture.
All ten accused have been chargesheeted under the UAPA, Explosive Substances Act, Arms Act, and IPC. The eight other members of the sleeper cell are currently in judicial custody, and non-bailable warrants were previously issued for Shaikh and Khan.