8 suspected Islamic fundamentalists detained in Tripura

Agartala, Jul 17: Police have detained eight people for questioning their suspected link, with Islamic fundamentalists, official sources said today.

They were detained from Udaipur sub-division in south Tripura yesterday and are from Bhuj district of Gujarat.

They have been identifed as Muhammad Yusuf Farooq, Dr. Yusuf Seikh, Ismail Patel, Yusuf Gura Kathur Uyal, Yusuf Daya, Rashid Malik, Ibrahim Rawat and Yusuf Gaunget. The leader of the group is 50-year-old Muhammad Yusuf Farooq.

Superintendent of Police, Udaipur, Arvinder Singh told sources today the eight suspected persons were detained for questioning. ''They were staying at Nagad Chandban Mosque under Radha Kishorepur Police Station. They have not yet been arrested. They were just called for questioning so that we ascertain what the motive of their visit to Tripura is,'' said Mr Singh said.

When asked whether they have anything to do with the recent bomb blasts in Mumbai, where more then 200 people were killed, Mr Singh said that ''It is too premature to say anything on the matter''.

''We have contacted the Gujarat Police who are trying to ascertain whether they have any criminal case registered against them,'' Mr Singh added.

Expressing anguish over media reports which have related the eight suspects to Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), a top official of the Tripura Police said media should restrain themselves from spreading false reports.

''Media is giving various versions to the related matter. They should varify the facts before flaring it up,'' the official, who refused to be named said. He further added that such ''incorrect'' reports may hamper police investigation.

A senior official of the Intelligence Branch, who is questioning the eight suspects along with the state police, said the motive behind their visit to Tripura was not known. ''Their visit cannot be related only to spread of religion. All the eight suspects have passports and have already visited Mauritius, France, South Africa, Zambia and Canada. We have seized their passports,'' said the official.

He further informed that they will be allowed to stay at Nagad Chandban Mosque under the stric vigilence of the state police.

UNI