The National Investigation Agency raided seven places in Tamil Nadu in the case of an alleged plot to kill Hindu outfit leaders by ISIS-inspired terrorists. The raids were conducted in different locations in Chennai, Coimbatore and Tindivanam. In September this year, police had arrested five people on a tip-off that they had prepared a plan to kill several Hindu leaders, including Hindu Makkal Katchi chief Arjun Sampath and Hindu Munnani leader Mookambikai Mani. Later, two more suspected terrorists were arrested based on information received from them.
During the enquiry after the arrests, it was found that the persons have connections with ISIS. They were inspired by modules of Islamic State and other terror outfits, according to police. After this, the investigation was handed over to NIA by union home ministry.
Three locations in Chennai, three in Coimbatore and one in Tindivanam were raided by NIA today morning, all residences of the seven persons arrested in the case.
The investigating teams searched the houses of Faizal Rahman in Ukkadam, R Ashiq in Chandran Street and Sahul Hameed alias Anwar in Kuniamuthur in Coimbatore. In Chennai, three locations at Otteri, Vyasarpadi and Pallavaram were raided simultaneously. These houses belong to S Salavudeen, S Shamsudeen and Jaffer Saqid Ali. In Tindivanam, the residence of S Ismail was searched. Local police of respective places accompanied NIA personnel during the raids.
On September 2, the three persons from Chennai, along with Ashiq and Ismail were arrested by police. Based on their confession, the two other persons from Coimbatore were arrested a few days later. The arrested persons are currently lodged at Coimbatore Central Prison.
During the raids, NIA seized a large number of digital devices, unaccounted cash and publications with incriminating content. It is alleged that S Ismail is a secret member of ISIS and he used to pass on information to others using a social media website. It is said that the men did not know each other personally but they communicated through social media.
