NIA names ‘IM leader’, 3 ex-SIMI men for role in Kerala terror camp

Terror suspect and alleged Indian Mujahideen leader Abdul Subhan Qureshi alias Tauqeer has been named by the National Investigation Agency along with three former SIMI activists for their alleged roles in organising and participating in a terror training camp in 2007 at Wangamon in Kerala.

Tauqeer is also wanted in connection with the 2008 Ahmedabad serial blasts and a reward of Rs 4 lakh on him has been declared by the NIA. A red-corner notice has already been issued against Tauqeer by Interpol in connection with the Ahmedabad blasts.

The suspected IM leader has given the slip to agencies on several occasions and is presently believed to be operating from Nepal. Tauqeer, 40, is also a software expert and has worked for some of the prestigious software companies in Mumbai, said officials.

He earned his name from the art of making bombs and hails from Rampur in Uttar Pradesh. He is closely associated with IM chiefs Amir Reza Khan and the Bhatkal brothers — Riyaz and Iqbal — said NIA officials.

Besides Tauqeer, the NIA also announced a reward of Rs 3 lakh each on Alem Jeb Afridi, a resident of Ahmedabad; Manzar Imam, a resident of Ranchi in Jharkhand; and Wasik alias Ramzan, a resident of Azamgarh in UP.

The NIA has accused four persons including Tauqeer of attending terror camps organised by SIMI cadre at Kerala in December 2007.

After this camp, Tauqeer went off from the radar of intelligence agencies and the IM carried out a series of attacks starting in 2008.

Investigations reveal that Tauqeer, who along with SIMI secretary general Safdar Nagori (arrested) attended the camp, was responsible for imparting training in the handling of computers and explosives to the new recruits.

During the probe, the NIA has also established the involvement of 30 hardcore SIMI activists in the case. They were involved in physical training, arms training, firing practices, manufacture of bombs, motor training, etc.

... contd.

ALSO READ

Pawar to seek special package for state

Railway bribery case: Nephew rose from obscurity, worked behind the scenes

For AMU students, wearing sherwani no issue

Polls today, Cong pins hope on BSY