ATS books Mumbra youth for ‘joining IS’

THE MAHARASHTRA Anti-terrorism Squad (ATS) has registered a case against a youth, who allegedly fled India to join the globally banned terror outfit Islamic State (IS) or Daesh, as it is referred to by security agencies.

Sources in the state counter terrorism agency said the youth fled the country in early 2015 on the pretext of taking up a new job in Egypt and has now joined IS.

Tabrez Noor Mohammed Tambe (28), a resident of Mumbra on the outskirts of Mumbai, later reached Libya where he claims to be fighting alongside IS now, according to the sources.

“His brother Saud Noor Mohammed Tambe has told us that from Egypt he travelled to Libya along with his friend identified as Ali, who hails from Saudi Arabia, and that now the two have joined IS,” said a senior official from the agency.

“The family claims that Ali was instrumental in brainwashing their son and drawing him into IS fold,” added the official. According to the police, Tabrez came in contact with Ali in Riyadh where he was previously employed.

“Tabrez returned in early 2015 after completing his employment in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. When he left the second time for Egypt, the family thought it was in connection with a job and didn’t suspect anything suspicious since he had already worked abroad in the past. However, recently they got a call from Tabrez informing them that he had reached Libya to fight alongside IS,” the official added.

A press statement issued by the agency said a case under Sections 16, 18, 18(B), 20, 38 and 39 under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) was registered against Tabrez. Further investigation was on.