NIA Chargesheets Two in Aurangabad ISIS Terror Conspiracy Case
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed chargesheets against two individuals, including a Libya-based ISIS terrorist, in connection with a terror conspiracy case in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. Mohammed Zoheb Khan and Mohammed Shoeb Khan have been accused of conspiring to promote ISIS’ anti-India agenda and recruit vulnerable youth for terror attacks on sensitive installations across India.
The chargesheet, filed in the NIA Special Court in Mumbai, alleges that the duo conspired to recruit youth and plan terror attacks, exposing international linkages with foreign-based ISIS handlers. Investigations revealed that the accused had taken an oath of allegiance to the self-proclaimed Khalifa of ISIS and planned to flee to Afghanistan or Turkey after executing terror attacks.
As per NIA, the accused were also involved in developing a website to promote ISIS’ extremist ideology and radicalize youth globally. Mohammed Zoheb Khan created a WhatsApp group to radicalize and recruit youth from Aurangabad, sharing videos on explosives and IED fabrication. A detailed plan for terror attacks and subsequent actions was prepared, aiming to endanger India’s safety, security, secular ethos, culture, and democratic systems.
“Investigations had further revealed that Mohammed Zoheb Khan, who was recruited by Mohammed Shoeb Khan, had created a WhatsApp group. He had added more than 50 youth from Aurangabad area to the group with an intent to radicalise and recruit them for furthering the nefarious activities of ISIS in India” said NIA.
NIA investigation revealed, the accused had been sharing videos related to manufacturing of explosives and fabrication of IEDs. They had also prepared a detailed plan of action, which included planning, preparation and execution of terror attacks at multiple places in India and actions to be taken after the execution of attacks.
The NIA has charged the duo under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. This move marks a significant step in dismantling the ISIS network in India and countering terror activities.
