NIA Crackdown in Tamil Nadu: Arrest of ISIS Recruiter and Raids Across the State
In a major crackdown, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted surprise searches at 20 locations across Tamil Nadu on Tuesday, leading to the seizure of several digital materials and the arrest of a man accused of radicalizing youth to join the ISIS terrorist organization. The arrested individual, identified as 32-year-old Al-Fasid, worked as an ambulance driver in Chennai but is a native of Thirumullaivasal village in Mayiladuthurai district.
The NIA carried out raids at five locations in Chennai, while the remaining searches took place in areas including Sirkazhi, Thirumullaivasal, and other places in Mayiladuthurai district. An official press release stated that mobile phones, flash drives, and other digital evidence were seized during the operation.
Al-Fasid, who had been residing in Chennai for the past eight months, was apprehended for allegedly maintaining connections with the core team of ISIS and using messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal for recruitment and radicalization purposes. The investigation revealed links between Al-Fasid and Iqma Sadiq, a prominent ISIS leader who is among 72 individuals under central intelligence surveillance nationwide. Sadiq, who operated a martial arts training centre that had drawn repeated scrutiny, was arrested by the NIA in 2022.
Officials brought Al-Fasid to the NIA's Purasawalkam office for questioning on Tuesday morning. His interrogation led to his arrest, with authorities stating that further details about his recruitment activities and ISIS support network will emerge through an ongoing investigation.
The NIA has directed individuals suspected of having contact with Al-Fasid to appear before its Chennai unit for inquiry by January 31. Additionally, local police teams from Mayiladuthurai provided assistance during the searches.
This operation underscores the NIA's focus on countering radicalization and dismantling networks that seek to endanger national security. The agency is expected to reveal more comprehensive findings in the coming weeks.
