HYDERABAD : It was a specific tip-off from the counter intelligence (CI) cell of the Telangana police and the Kerala police that led the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) to terror suspect Mohammed Saifullah in Lucknow. Saifullah was gunned down after a long and fierce encounter in Lucknow early on Wednesday.
Saifullah and his two close associates allegedly played a key role in the recent Bhopal-Ujjain train blast.
For years now, the Telangana police have been keeping a close watch on the online activities of certain Islamic State suspects — youngsters who are attracted to terror activities — and members of the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI).
Sources told New Indian Express that ever since police nabbed some youngsters who were on their way to join the Islamic State with the help of handlers based in Syria, a special team has been monitoring activities of such youngsters and their online presence.
Earlier too, the Telangana police had gathered information about youth from Kerala trying to join the Islamic State and tipped off the National Investigation Agency (NIA), helping it nab a number of suspects.
Police sources in Telangana said sharing of information on terror suspects and SIMI members with other State police is routine.
Around 20 youth, who were detained by the Telangana police while trying to join the Islamic State last year, according to sources, shared crucial information with police during counselling sessions, especially on their online activities.