NIA takes over probe into ISIS module

LUCKNOW: The NIA on Tuesday took over the investigations related to all cases registered in connection with alleged UPbased self-radicalised ISIS module. “We have handed over the documents related to the ISIS module to the NIA team after receiving an order from home minister in the matter,” said Asim Arun, IG, UP ATS.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday took over the investigations related to all cases registered in connection with alleged UP-based self-radicalised Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) module.

“We have handed over the documents related to the ISIS module to the NIA team after receiving an order from home minister in the matter,” said Asim Arun, IG, UP Anti Terror Squad. So far, the ATS sleuths were handling the case and had procured 10day police custody remand of the six accused arrested from Kanpur, Etawah and Lucknow in the matter. These included retired IAF personnel, Gaus Mohammed Khan, 56, key operator and motivator of the group who was held in Lucknow.

Details extracted from the arrested members of the group would also be shared with the NIA officials, said the IG.

The IG said the custody remand of the accused will also be handed to the NIA sleuths, and if required, they will seek further remand from the court.

He said the cases related to arrests in Kanpur, Lucknow and the encounter of alleged militant Saifullah Khan who was gunned down by ATS commandos in Lucknow on March 8.

The alleged operation head of the group, Saifullah Khan was killed when he refused to surrender before the ATS commandos and resorted to firing by locking himself in a house in Haji colony of Kakori.

The house was reportedly being used as North India headquarters of the self-radicalised ISIS module.