New Delhi, August 19, 2024 — The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed charges against two additional individuals connected to the Karnataka Al-Hind ISIS module, escalating its crackdown on a network accused of orchestrating targeted killings and other terrorist activities. The accused, Abdul Matheen Taha and Mussavir Hussain Shazib, hail from Thirthahalli in Karnataka's Shivamogga District.
Filed in the special NIA court, this second supplementary chargesheet under the case number RC-04/2020/NIA/DLI addresses the ongoing investigation into a larger ISIS-linked terror conspiracy. The charges against Taha and Shazib include several under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UA(P) Act).
Since taking over the case from Bengaluru City police on January 23, 2020, the NIA has now chargesheeted a total of 18 individuals. The investigation has uncovered that Abdul Matheen Taha, described as self-radicalized, played a pivotal role in the recruitment and radicalization of Shazib and others, dating back to 2018. Taha's connections extended to an online handler known as Bhai or Laptop Bhai, leading to further associations with Mehaboob Pasha of Bengaluru, the founder of the Al-Hind Trust.
Mehaboob Pasha is accused of facilitating ISIS's activities in India by providing links to other key members like Khaja Mohideen. Moreover, Taha and Shazib are accused of providing shelter to Thowfeek and Abdul Shameem, who were later implicated in the murder of Shri Wilson SSI of Tamil Nadu Police at a border check-post.
The investigation into this extensive terror network is ongoing, with further details expected as the NIA continues its examination of the group's activities and connections within India.
