Daijiworld Media Network – Kochi
Kochi, Sep 10: The Kerala Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has registered a fresh case and arrested a 26-year-old Malappuram native over his alleged links with an anti-national group, following an investigation into an offensive comment he allegedly posted under a video featuring the daughter of a victim of the Pahalgam terror attack.
Muhammed Sanoof, a native of Aikkarappadi in Malappuram district, was detained in July this year after arriving at Karipur airport from Saudi Arabia.
Last year, Muttam police in Idukki district registered a case against Sanoof for allegedly posting an offensive comment under a video featuring the daughter of N Ramachandran, a Kochi native who was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack. Police later invoked provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against him.
According to police sources, the Kerala ATS registered the fresh case after evidence allegedly emerged during the Idukki police investigation. Examination of Sanoof’s mobile phone reportedly revealed his links with some anti-national groups.
The probe also allegedly found that he was part of a Signal messaging group involved in an alleged conspiracy to carry out anti-national activities across India, sources said.
Based on the evidence, the ATS registered a case against Sanoof and other members of the group last month. The other accused named in the case are Azhari Kuraishi, Faizan Mohammed, Shaheer, Shoeb Ammed and Ibn Ahamed.
Efforts are underway to identify and trace the other accused, who are suspected to be from different parts of the country, police said.
The case has been registered under Sections 148 and 149 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), relating to conspiracy to wage war against the Government of India and preparation for such activities. The ATS has also invoked Sections 18 and 18B of the UAPA, relating to conspiracy or attempt to commit a terrorist act and recruitment of a person for a terrorist act.
Sanoof was recently arrested in connection with the second case and produced before the Ernakulam Additional District and Sessions Court on Wednesday.
After considering the custody application, Additional District and Sessions Judge Suresh Babu VPM remanded Sanoof to ATS custody till September 18.
The ATS has also informed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) about the case, sources said. The agency is investigating whether the alleged group was involved in any terrorist activities in the country.