BHUBANESWAR: For all his radicalism, Abdul Rehman Kataki had very little acceptability in his circle. The maulvi from Paschimkachha village used to show up at ‘jalsas’ uninvited and give inflammatory speeches.
Investigation has revealed that his radical views did not go down well among his contemporaries and seniors too. Rehman, accused of being an Al Qaeda in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) operative, was banished from many meetings and gatherings but never gave up.
His radical ways also landed him in trouble many times. Opposition to his entry in a Muslim-dominated locality in Ranchi after which he was detained last month was a case in the point.
“We are attempting to ascertain the facts because there is a thin line between a person’s radical views and if anyone was influenced by it. A radical speech can be construed as hate speech but when it tantamounts to an act of terror, it is a big issue,” sources said.
That the 37-year-old was undaunted by the opposition he faced has led the investigators to believe that he may have radicalised the youth. Sources said Rehman certainly did try to indoctrinate the young with his radical views but was he successful is a big question because this will mean he was trying to recruit operatives.
The Commissionerate of Police which registered a case against him under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act is looking at this angle. It has sought all the records from the madrasa at Tangi which Rehman was running so that details about the students can be elicited.
When contacted, Police Commissioner Dr RP Sharma said police are investigating the recruitment angle.