In a major move against terrorism, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) apprehended two prominent fugitives linked to ISIS on Saturday at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Abdullah Faiyaz Shaikh, also known as Diaperwala, and Talha Khan had been evading law enforcement for over two years before being intercepted by immigration officials at Terminal 2 upon their arrival from Jakarta, Indonesia.
The arrests are tied to the 2023 ISIS sleeper cell case (RC-05/2023/NIA/MUM) originating from Pune. This case involves a group of radicalized individuals who allegedly conspired to destabilize India through various terrorist activities. Investigations by the NIA revealed that Shaikh, Khan, and eight other co-accused, who are currently in judicial custody, engaged in assembling improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and conducted training sessions along with controlled explosions in a rented residence located in the Kondhwa area of Pune during 2022 and 2023.
This case represents one of the most severe domestic threats related to ISIS that has been uncovered in recent years. The NIA Special Court in Mumbai had issued non-bailable warrants against the fugitives, and a cash reward of ₹3 lakh was announced for information leading to their capture.
Others named in the chargesheet include Mohammed Imran Khan, Mohammed Yunus Saki, Abdul Kadir Pathan, Simab Nasiruddin Kazi, Zulfikar Ali Barodawala, Shamil Nachan, Akif Nachan, and Shahnawaz Alam. The charges they face encompass violations of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Explosive Substances Act, the Arms Act, and various sections of the Indian Penal Code.
The operation illustrates the effectiveness of the NIA’s enhanced authority established under the National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Act, 2019, which empowers the agency to probe terror-related offenses committed beyond Indian borders, in accordance with international laws and cooperation.
This latest development serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by ISIS sleeper cells and highlights the necessity for ongoing vigilance. The NIA has reiterated its commitment to dismantling terrorist networks to safeguard India from becoming a target of transnational extremist plots.
