Javed, according to the Crime Branch, had been in touch with many of the other accused, and it was he who led the investigators to the other module members. He has been accused of being a criminal conspirator. While many of the older men were foot soldiers and were involved in transporting cars and gelatin sticks, Javed was also actively involved in training programmes, investigators said.

The group had assigned him the role of a “courier” as his age was an advantage. He was used many times to transport essential items and also act as a communicator between group members. His father, Mohammed Ali Ahmed (44), a civil contractor in Mangalore, has been charged with harbouring terrorists.

Javed, who is proficient in Arabic studies, participated in the conspiracy sessions, according to the crime branch. The training literature used instances of atrocities against Muslims and evidence collected included Jihadi literature, allegedly in Javed’s handwriting.

IN THE POLICE NET:

* Afzal Mutalib Usmani | 30

BACKGROUND: Trained in Pakistan, arrested on 23-09-08

ROLE: Involved in providing stolen cars

* Mohammad Sadiq Israr Ahmed Shaikh | 33

BACKGROUND: Trained in Pakistan twice, arrested on 24-09-08

ROLE: Involved in various bomb blasts in India

* Mohammad Arif Badrudin Shaikh | 38

BACKGROUND: Trained in Pakistan, arrested on 24-09-08

ROLE: Involved in various bomb blasts in India after 2005

* Mohammad Zakir Abdul Haq Shaikh | 26

BACKGROUND: Trained in Pakistan, arrested on 24-09-08

ROLE: Involved in Surat bomb blast

... contd.