Now, efforts on to bring in Kerala man

With the successful deportation of suspected Indian Mujahideen co-founder Fasih Mehmood from Saudi Arabia, Intelligence officials have now zeroed in on another terror suspect who is believed to be staying in that country.

Sources said details of Mohammed Sabir alias Ayoob, aged about 27 and originally from Ernakulam in Kerala, have been shared with Saudi authorities and a breakthrough is expected soon.

According to investigators, Ayoob allegedly facilitated the travel of five youths from Kerala to terror camps run by the Lashkar-e-Toiba in J&K in 2008. After they reached the Valley, the youths were handed over to one Umair Kashmiri for arms training.

Four of the youths — identified as Fayas, Fayis, Abdul Rahim and Yasin — were later killed in an encounter with security forces while the fifth, Abdul Jabbar, managed to escape.

Lashkar commander Abdul Aziz alias Wani, also wanted in connection with 2006 Aurangabad arms haul case, is believed to have organised the arms training for the youths. Later, he allegedly helped Ayoob find a base in Saudi Arabia.

Ayoob fled the country in 2008, investigators said. Sources said in November 2008, Ayoob along with his associates went to Mumbai from Kerala, where they allegedly received Rs 20,000. The group then travelled by train to Kolkata and contacted one Shaidul, an agent who used to carry out infiltration into Bangladesh.

After infiltrating into Bangladesh, Ayoob allegedly first flew to Dubai on a forged passport in the name of one Shameer Kollamkudy Alikutty. The passport (no E 7030805) was issued by RPO Kochi on 18.11.2003, said investigators, adding that he took an Air India flight. According to his departure card, Ayoob mentioned his occupation as sales executive. Sources said Ayoob shifted to Saudi Arabia in 2009 and is learnt to be staying there since then.

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