NIA Arrests Two ISIS Sleeper Cell Fugitives at Mumbai Airport in 2023 IED Case

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended two ISIS sleeper cell fugitives, Abdullah Faiyaz Shaikh (also known as Diaperwala) and Talha Khan, at Mumbai International Airport. Officials confirmed the arrests on a Saturday, revealing that the suspects were wanted in connection with a 2023 IED manufacturing and testing case based in Pune, Maharashtra. The suspects were intercepted by immigration authorities at Terminal 2 while attempting to return from their hideout in Jakarta, Indonesia, and were subsequently taken into custody by the NIA.

These individuals had successfully evaded arrest for more than two years despite non-bailable warrants issued by the NIA Special Court in Mumbai. To aid in their capture, the NIA had offered a reward of Rs 3 lakh for information leading to the arrest of each suspect. The investigation centers around a broader conspiracy involving these two fugitives and eight other ISIS Pune sleeper cell members, all of whom are currently under judicial custody.

According to official statements, the group was involved in a plot to destabilize India’s internal peace through violent activities aimed at establishing Islamic governance. The NIA detailed that the arrested suspects, who had previously been chargesheeted along with others, allegedly assembled Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) at a rented residence in Kondhwa, Pune, belonging to Abdullah Faiyaz Shaikh. Between 2022 and 2023, they reportedly conducted bomb-making workshops and carried out controlled explosions to test IEDs on the premises.

The agency’s investigation into ISIS activities in India has led to charges against all 10 accused individuals under various sections of stringent laws, including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Explosive Substances Act, the Arms Act, and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). These laws address terrorism, possession and use of explosives, illegal arms possession, and other criminal offenses related to national security.

Besides Abdullah Faiyaz Shaikh and Talha Khan, the other arrested individuals involved in the case are Mohammed Imran Khan, Mohammed Yunus Saki, Abdul Kadir Pathan, Simab Nasiruddin Kazi, Zulfikar Ali Barodawala, Shamil Nachan, Akif Nachan, and Shahnawaz Alam. All of them are currently in judicial custody as the NIA continues its probe into their activities.

This case highlights the persistent threat posed by sleeper cells affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS) operating within India, aiming to disrupt national security and peace through acts of terrorism. The coordinated efforts by law enforcement agencies to track, apprehend, and prosecute these individuals underscore the challenges of counterterrorism in the region.

The arrests also reveal the extensive network and planning involved in carrying out terrorist activities such as IED manufacturing and testing. The fact that the suspects fled to Indonesia and were intercepted during their attempt to return to India demonstrates the transnational nature of terrorism and the importance of international cooperation in combating such threats.

The NIA’s success in capturing these fugitives after a prolonged manhunt reflects the agency’s commitment to rooting out terrorism and maintaining national security. The ongoing judicial process will further uncover details about the group’s plans, financing, and other members involved in the conspiracy.

In conclusion, the arrest of Abdullah Faiyaz Shaikh and Talha Khan, along with the other eight accused, marks a significant breakthrough in India’s fight against ISIS sleeper cells. Their activities, including bomb-making and attempts to destabilize the country through violent means, represent serious threats to peace and security. The NIA’s rigorous investigation and prosecution efforts under powerful anti-terror laws aim to dismantle such networks and prevent future attacks, thereby safeguarding the nation.