The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has successfully arrested two absconders linked to the ISIS Pune sleeper module case at Mumbai Airport.
The accused, Abdullah Faiyaz Shaikh and Talha Khan, had been evading authorities for over two years after fleeing India. They were intercepted upon their arrival from Jakarta, Indonesia, marking a significant victory in India’s ongoing fight against terrorism.
The ISIS Pune sleeper module case dates back to 2023 when the NIA had uncovered a terror plot involving the fabrication and testing of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Pune, Maharashtra. The arrested individuals were allegedly part of a larger conspiracy involving eight others, all of whom had already been apprehended and charged under various legal provisions, including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Explosive Substances Act, Arms Act, and IPC.
Officials stated that Shaikh and Khan had been actively planning attacks in India while on the run. Their return to India was carefully monitored, leading to their capture at the Mumbai Airport. The NIA has been relentless in its pursuit of fugitive operatives involved in terrorist activities, and this arrest reaffirms India’s zero-tolerance stance toward terrorism.
Following their arrest, Shaikh and Khan will undergo rigorous interrogation to uncover further details regarding their activities while abroad and any remaining sleeper cell operatives in India. Their case is expected to lead to further developments in counterterrorism efforts.
The arrests mark a crucial milestone in India’s security operations, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
