The banned outfit now calls itself Jehad-e-Islami; police fear it will use alias and strike terror with the help of Bangladeshi partner
The banned outfit now calls itself Jehad-e-Islami; police fear it will use alias and strike terror with the help of Bangladeshi partner
The banned Students Islamic Movement of India now has a new name Jehad-e-Islami (JeI).
Police sources revealed that the newly-formed JeI could partner Bangladesh-based Karkat-ul-Jihadi-Islami-B (HUJI-B) and carry out blasts across the country.
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Culprits: SIMI activists arrested for their involvement in the Ahmedabad blasts in July 2008. |
The group could operate under the leadership of Bashir Mir who was involved in the blasts in Ahmedabad and Uttar Pradesh last year.
The development assumes significance following the arrest of two senior SIMI members in Vidarbha yesterday.
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Four other SIMI activists were arrested on Sunday night after a secret meeting of 30 operatives in a mosque in Maana village, Akola.
ATS preparedAnti-terrorism Squad (ATS) officials have been on their toes since the secret meeting in Akola.
A team of ATS officers is already in Akola and a massive manhunt has been launched for 20 missing activists of the outfit.
The ATS plans to question SIMI's Amir Safdar Nagori's right-hand-man Nazer in connection with the Akola module and their links to HUJI-B.
A person named Mohammed has also come under the scanner after the death of mastermind Shahid Bilal in Karachi in 2008.
Additional Commissioner of Police (ATS) Param Bir Singh refused to give details, but said his officers are carrying out investigations in the case.
Danger Signals
Arabic literature was found on the four SIMI activists arrested on Sunday night in Akola. Police sources said that the activists have revealed the names of their 15 associates who are on the run.
The four have been arrested under section 10 (being members of an unlawful association) and 13 (punishment for unlawful activities) under the Prevention of Unlawful Activities Act, 1967
1997The year SIMI was formed in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh
2002The year SIMI was banned. The ban was lifted in 2008, but a special tribunal reinstated it in August that year
