The NIA said the accused carried out a trial IED blast in Shivamogga, conducted reconnaissance of multiple places and indulged in arson to spread terror as part of an ISIS conspiracy.

According to the NIA, the accused had conducted a trial IED blast in Shivamogga, besides conducting reconnaissance of multiple places and indulging in the arson of properties and vehicles to spread terror among people as part of “an ISIS conspiracy to carry out incidents of terror and violence and wage a war against India”.

The NIA said the accused had been tasked by their ISIS handler based abroad to pursue robotics courses and pick up skills to carry out terrorist attacks in the future in furtherance of the Islamic State agenda for India.

The accused who have been charge-sheeted have been identified as Karnataka residents Mohamed Shariq (25), Maaz Muneer Ahmed (23), Syed Yasin (22), Reeshaan Thajuddin Sheikh (22), Huzair Farhan Baig (22), Mazin Abdul Rahman (22), Nadeem Ahmed K A (22), Zabiulla (32) and Nadeem Faizal N (27). They have been charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, the Karnataka State Prevention of Destruction and Loss of Property Act, 1981, and sections of the Indian Penal Code.

Maaz and Yasin were charge-sheeted in March this year and have now been charged with other offences.

Of the nine accused, Maaz, Yasin, Sheikh, Rahman and Nadeem have studied mechanical and electrical engineering. According to the NIA, the online handler funded the accused through cryptocurrency.

The NIA investigations also revealed that Shariq, Maaz and Yasin had hatched a criminal conspiracy, in connivance with IS operatives based abroad to promote terror and violence in the region. The trio had actively radicalised and recruited the co-accused with the intention to disturb the national security, unity and sovereignty of the country, the NIA said in the chargesheet.

reported by the indian expresses