Kerala train arson clear case of terror, NIA to dig deep into plot, motive

With the National Investigation Agency (NIA) set to take over the Kerala train arson case, it is confirmed that the incident was an act of terror.

The police were exploring all angles following the incident, but were cautious that the incident was an act of terror. Intelligence Bureau officials told OneIndia that it was a clear act of terror. What needs to be seen whether the accused, Sharukh Saifi was acting on his own or was guided by some terror group. From the face of it, it appears to be a lone wolf attack, the official also said.

During his interrogation, Saifi said that he had no idea where Kerala was. This has led to the suspicion, whether he went to Kerala on his own or was taken there by some other persons. "Was he brought to Kerala with an intention of striking terror on the train," a source said while adding that the intent and the pattern is being studied.

Saifi is suspected to have set fire on the Alappuzha-Kannur Executive Express, in which three persons died and nine suffered injuries.

Investigations have shown that his intention was to set fire to the entire compartment and cause as much damage as possible. He had with him three bottles of petrol. However he was not able to achieve his motive entirely as he lacked training, the source also said.

The fact that he may have not acted alone can also been seen in the fact that he had someone waiting to help him escape.

The details currently are very sketchy and the Central agencies have questioned the Kerala police on the manner in which the probe had been undertaken. As per the details revealed by the Maharashtra ATS which arrested Saifi, the accused had fled Kerala in a train in a bid to reach Ajmer. However he tried to jump off the train at Ratnagiri in Maharashtra, following which he was injured and then shifted to hospital. The ATS acting on the details provided by the Kerala police and Intelligence Bureau nabbed Saifi and then handed him back to the police.

Officials said that the probe will now be taken over by the NIA. The agencies would now look into the motive behind the attack and also investigate the involvement of others. The NIA has submitted a detailed report to the Union Government and said that it is a clear case of terror involving many states. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act or UAPA will be invoked in the case, following which the probe will get underway, the official pointed out.

The NIA will also go into the planning, conspiracy, funding and motive in this case.