Tamil Nadu under NIA radar after arrest of suspected ISIS operative

Chennai, Oct 6: After the arrest of a Tamil Nadu resident for his alleged links with terror group ISIS, the National Investigating Agency's sleuths are questioning suspects in the state.

NIA today said it has arrested Subahani Haja Moideen, a resident of Kadayanallur in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, for allegedly "joining and supporting the activities of the ISIS," a terror outfit banned in the country.

He was picked up by NIA on October 3 from his residence and after questioning he was arrested yesterday, the NIA said. NIA's action also follows the arrest of six men in Kerala on October 2, including 29-year-old man Abu Basheer alias Rashid alias Buccha - from Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore District.

Abu Basheer was among six persons held for being part of an ISIS inspired module who allegedly conspired to carry out terrorist acts. Also, 26-year-old Swalih Mohammed T alias Yousuf alias Abu Hasna, a resident of Chennai and native of Kerala, was also among the six men and he was working for a corporate firm here that runs a chain of resorts.

Against this background, NIA is continuing what officials called its "follow up work and questioning."

"NIA officials are holding inquiries based on their inputs. Suspects are being questioned in districts including Coimbatore and Tirunelveli," a senior police official told PTI. To a question, he said though "inquiries" were made today too "with some men here" by NIA sleuths, it does not appear to be "the probe connected to the ISIS inspired module".

"Searches were made and some questioned in respect of Swalih Mohammed who was residing in Chennai," he said.

To another question, the official said, "Nothing can be said as of now on questioning of suspects and others who may be in a position to aid probe as these are all part of routine investigation." He said Tamil Nadu Police was "just supporting NIA" in its probe and will not be able to comment more on the matter.

PTI