NIA Arrests 11th Accused in Pune ISIS Sleeper Cell Case, Cracks Widening Terror Conspiracy
NIA Arrests 11th Accused in Pune ISIS Sleeper Cell Case, Cracks Widening Terror Conspiracy
In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the ISIS Pune sleeper module, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended yet another crucial suspect, Rizwan Ali — also known by his aliases Abu Salma and Mola. With his arrest, the total number of accused nabbed in this high-profile terror conspiracy rises to eleven.
Rizwan, who had been absconding for months, was on the radar of investigative agencies and carried a reward of ₹3 lakh for any leads leading to his capture. A Non-Bailable Warrant (NBW) had already been issued against him by the NIA Special Court. Following his arrest, he was produced before the court and has been remanded to NIA custody until July 18 for further interrogation.
As per official sources, Rizwan played a hands-on role in various stages of the ISIS-backed operation. He was allegedly responsible for conducting surveillance of locations that could serve as potential terrorist hideouts. In addition to this, he was instrumental in organizing weapons training and sessions on assembling Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), a skill that could have had catastrophic consequences had the module succeeded in its objectives.
This case, registered by NIA Mumbai under reference number RC-05/2023/NIA/MUM, revolves around an elaborate and disturbing anti-India plot hatched by ISIS operatives to destabilize the nation and provoke communal strife. Rizwan, along with the ten other accused already behind bars, is believed to have conspired to carry out violent terror attacks aimed at disrupting public peace and national security.
The others arrested in connection with this case include Mohammed Imran Khan, Mohammed Yunus Saki, Abdul Kadir Pathan, Simab Naseeruddin Kazi, Zulfikar Ali Barodawadala, Shameel Nachan, Akif Nachan, Shahnawaz Alam, Abdulla Faiyaz Shaikh, and Talha Khan. These individuals have been chargesheeted under several stringent laws including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Explosive Substances Act, Arms Act, and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The NIA’s investigation points to a larger strategy driven by ISIS’s ideology — one that seeks to undermine the Indian government through violent insurgency and establish Islamic rule. Officials say the arrested individuals formed part of a covert sleeper cell and were actively preparing to launch coordinated terror strikes.
With Rizwan’s arrest, authorities are hopeful of uncovering further links and dismantling what appears to be a deeply embedded network. The NIA has reiterated its commitment to unearthing the full extent of this conspiracy and ensuring that every element involved in jeopardizing national security is brought to justice.
As investigations progress, the agency remains vigilant, intensifying efforts to trace any remaining operatives and prevent potential future threats.
