Indian NIA books Majeed, an Indian student recruited and trained by IS, flown to India by Indian intelligence agencies
Areeb Majeed, an arrested Mumbai student-turned-Islamic State (IS) fighter, was given $2,000 by the terrorist group to get himself treated after being injured in combat, Indian media reported on Sunday.
“We have reason to suspect what Majeed has told us so far. Not only was he given money by IS fighters, he was allowed to leave the territory controlled by IS. It is quite possible he may have contacted his father on their instructions. We need to verify and re-verify all his claims. That’s why the (Indian) National Investigation Agency (NIA) was allowed to register a case against him,” said a central counter-terror officer requesting anonymity.
The officer added that it was also possible that Majeed may have been given a task in India by IS.
A day after he was flown home from Turkey by NIA and Indian intelligence officials, the 22-year old Majeed was produced in a Mumbai court on Saturday and remanded in the NIA’s custody till December 8. He has been booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (conspiring and preparing for terror activities) and Section 125 of the Indian Penal Code (waging war against an Asiatic power that is in alliance with the Indian government).
“Majeed has told his interrogators the IS does all its recruitment online. Its spotters visit jihadi websites and contact possible candidates through social media. That was how he was spotted,” another officer reportedly said.
Majeed travelled with three friends – Shaheen Tanki, Fahad Sheikh and Aman Tandel, all from India’s Maharashtra’s Kalyan town – to Iraq earlier this year in May on the pretext of a pilgrimage and was taken to the IS stronghold of al-Raqqa, the officer said. All four were trained in handling weapons like AK-47 and explosives.
“During combat, he was shot in the chest while a second bullet grazed him. When a medical facility where he was being treated was destroyed in an air raid, he crossed over to Turkey with other IS cadre,” the official said.
Majeed then got in touch with his father, saying he wanted to come back. He landed in Mumbai on Friday under NIA escort. Maharashtra Police sources said he was still highly indoctrinated and had told his interrogators that he believed the IS’ actions were justified.
Based on his interrogation, the NIA is also looking into a travel firm that facilitated the four men’s trip, agency sources said, adding that the firm – with a presence in many Indian cities — helped with visa arrangements. NIA prosecutor Geeta Godambe said the agency wanted to unearth the entire conspiracy.
In court, Majeed, dressed in a dark brown Pathan suit, was asked by the judge why he had not hired a lawyer. “I was in NIA custody and did not get the time to hire a lawyer,” he answered.
Addressing a conference of police chiefs from across the country in the Assamese capital, Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh touched on the threat from IS, saying, “Some Indian youths have been attracted to IS. We cannot take it lightly.”
