KOCHI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has found out that the Islamic State (IS) operatives arrested in the State had been receiving instructions from a handler based in Afghanistan through messaging app Telegram. It is believed that the handler had been using the pseudonym Abu Ayesha for communication. The NIA has initiated steps to unveil the real identity of the person.
During interrogation, the seven persons arrested by the NIA in connection with the IS module case said it was Abu Ayesha who was giving them instructions for carrying out extremist operations, including lone wolf attacks in South Indian states.
The NIA suspects that the handler, who is having direct contact with IS leaders in Syria and Afghanistan, is a native of Kerala. “We are trying to verify his true identity, with the assistance of international investigation agencies. He is suspected to be in Afghanistan currently,” said the officials.
The handler had reportedly informed the accused that he had met some of those who went missing from Kasargod, allegedly for joining the IS. There were unconfirmed reports that Abu Ayesha is Kozhikode-native Sajeer Managalacheri Abdullah who left the country to join the IS.
“The only information we have right now is that Sajeer Managalacheri Abdullah left for Doha at the same time when 15 persons went missing from Kasargod. We are clarifying the matter with agencies in Afghanistan, UAE and Iran,” said NIA officials.