Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, Dec 10: In connection with the pro-terrorist slogans which appeared at two places in the city, the two persons who were arrested in the case, were remanded to ten days of police custody on Thursday December 9, to enable the police to undertake in-depth probe in the matter at the request of the police.
Shaarik and Maz Munir Ahammed who were arrested in the case by the police are natives of Thirthahalli. The two had been subjected to coronavirus tests. As the report had not reached the police, they could not be produced in the court on Tuesday.
The police have taken into custody mobile phones from the two accused and a laptop belonging to Maz. They have been handed over to experts to retrieve the data. The information in the laptop are likely to help the police to strengthen their case.
It is said that Shaarik, who has been treated as the main accused, was in constant contact with a person from abroad and had authored the graffiti at the advice of this person. He used to communicate with the other person through internet calls and there are reports that he was involved with a WhatsApp group with terrorist leanings.
Shaarik's relative, Sadat, who also has been taken into custody, is being questioned. He is said to have encouraged Shaarik to indulge in the act. The police on Wednesday held a meeting under the leadership of city police commissioner Vikash Kumar, to discuss the angles in which investigations can be held. Assistant commissioner of police, Jagannath, who is the investigating officer, and officials who are involved with the probe, participated in the meeting.
Sources said that the accused came off as decent persons during their questioning but did not respond properly to the questions. They are well-versed with Kannada, English, Hindi and Urdu besides having good knowledge of technology. But they were seen hesitating from providing details of their backgrounds. However, the initial feeling is that they undertook the task of creating graffiti in the city with the aim of attracting attention and getting good publicity.
The accused, in addition to other sections, are also being tried for unlawful assembly, sources said. Subject to the seriousness of the activities of the accused which may be revealed with in-depth investigation, even the National Investigation Agency might come into the picture.