Three days after a low-intensity blast at Varanasi killed a two-year-old, intelligence agencies have got stunning inputs regarding the presence of the banned terror outfit, Indian Mujaheedin, in Uttar Pradesh.
According to Central agencies, as many as 40 sleeper cells are believed to be active in UP. As a result, UP is emerging as the new terror hub for the Indian Mujaheedin.
Earlier, major recruitment and training took place at Bhatkal in Karnataka. “It was because of the Bhatkal brothers — Riyaz and Iqbal, the founders of the IM, that a majority of the recruitment, training and meetings were held in Bhatkal or the nearby areas. However, with the Bhatkal brothers fleeing the country two years ago and the town being under heavy surveillance, the IM has identified UP as its new base,” a source said. The IM’s presence has been found in areas such as Madhubani, Saraimeer, Aligarh, Muradabad, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Bahraij, Mau, Lucknow, Bijnaur, etc., the source said.
Further, according to intelligence sources, another reason for the IM shifting its base to the UP is the strong presence of the Simi (another banned terror outfit) in the state. “UP is considered to be the stronghold of the Simi and after its ban, Simi’s cadres are being lured by the IM,” the source said. Incidentally, sources claim that former founders of the Simi are now helping the IM grow in UP. Intelligence sources have also stated the proximity of UP to Nepal as one of the reasons for the state becoming a new terror hub.
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Mumbai ISI module busted, mole arrested
age correspondent
MUMBAI
Dec. 10: The crime branch has busted an alleged Inter-Services Intelligence agency module in the city. The module has reportedly been dormant for the last five months. Following an Intelligence Bureau tip-off, crime branch officers arrested an ISI mole and detained one of his accomplices a day after the Varanasi bomb blast. Sources said the man, who lived in Byculla was on the radar of the IB for over two months. Crime branch officers say that more arrests are likely soon.
Salem Moojiwala, who stayed with his parents and a brother on the first floor in Infinity building in Byculla, was arrested by the crime branch on December 8. Moojiwala is suspected to be an ISI agent and his arrest is seen as a prize catch for the police.