Bhatkal man confirmed as ISIS operative Yusuf al Hindi

Bhatkal man and former Indian Mujaheedin member, Shafi Armar, alias Yusuf al Hindi is charged by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) as the main recruiter and motivator to set up Indian modules inspired by the Islamic State group (ISIS)

This is the first time the NIA has been able to ascertain identity of Yusuf al-Hindi, who until now remained a shadowy figure behind his alias. 

Armar is chargesheeted in two different cases in Delhi and Mumbai today. In its charge sheet filed at special NIA court in Patiala House District court, the NIA has charged Armar, along with five others for conspiracy, various sections under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967 and various related sections under the Explosive Substances Act (ESA), 1908. Yusuf al-Hindi has further been charged under section 6 of the ESA – that relates to charges for aiding and abetment.

The NIA claim that in June 2014, Yusuf al-Hindi informed accused Mudabbir Mustaq Sheikh that he was a follower of IS chief Abu Bakr al Baghdadi, the self proclaimed Caliph of the captured territory in Syria and Iraq.  He further informed Sheikh that he had taken a pledge (Al-Bait) and was on his way to Syria to join the ISIS.

Akhlakur Rehman, Md. Azeemushan, Md. Meraj, Md.  Osama, and Mohsin Ibrahim Sayyed are the five others who have been charge sheeted in this case. While Armar is absconding and wanted in previous IM cases in India-- he is currently operating in Syria--the rest of the accused are currently lodged at Tihar Jail.

Main accused no. 6 Sheikh who is also a key accused in another case will be charge sheeted separately according to NIA.

The NIA first came across Armar's name in 2014 during investigation of IS inspired suspects in Ratlam. His role in motivating and radicalising the Muslim youth in India cropped up during the interrogation of more than 30 alleged inspired operatives of the IS group arrested from across the country since last year. Investigators were however not able to put a face to the name, as the handler was active only online and any real details remained sketchy. 

Bhatkal residents Shafi Armar and his elder brother Sultan who were former IM operatives fled to Pakistan after the group's leadership was dismantled in 2008-09. When the conflict in Syria erupted, a part of IM split, with few members remaining loyal to al Qaeda and others supporting the IS. The later members traveled to Afghanistan, and formed the Ansar ut Tawheed Bilad e Hind, that pledged its allegiance to the IS. Some of the members of AuT prominently featured in propaganda video on Indian IS fighters released recently. Sultan Armar was announced to be dead while fighting for the IS in 2014

Reports also claimed that Shafi was killed in a US drone strike in March this year, there was no confirmation on the same by Indian authorities.

The NIA has alleged that Armar not only motivated and recruited members in India, but also provided logistical and financial support to those who wished to carry terror attacks in the country.

In the charge sheet, the NIA has alleged that Armar radicalised the youths through various communication platforms like Twitter, Trillion, Surespot, Skype and Facebook. During the investigation it was revealed that Armar sent Rs.5,86,000 through hawala to Sheik. This money was distributed among active ISIS operatives here in the country.

Armar also sent the alleged operatives, several links that contained information on how to make Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) from easily available material. Manuals like “Bomb Banane ka asan Tariqa (Easy way to make a bomb),” “Diwali wale Patakhaon ke Zariye (With the help of Diwali firecrackers),” “Table or Alarm watch se Timer Banana (How to make a timer using a table watch or alarm watch),” providing instructions on how to make bombs with the black residue of a matchstick head and other firecrackers that’s are usually burst during Diwali. Through the literature, the operatives also learnt how to use an ordinary light bulb as a detonator. Audio files containing “takrirs” – Hatred religious Preaching against Hindus of Maulana Masood Azhar, the chief commander of Jaish-eMohammad were also sent.

The NIA recovered 65 grams of powder from the matchstick head mixed with sugar. In its report, the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), confirmed that the evidence collected was sufficient to make “explosive charges.”

The six operatives mentioned above (except Armar), were arrested during various raids conducted by Special Cell of the Delhi Police early this year. They were allegedly plotting to target the Ardh Kumbh Mela that took place in Haridwar, Uttarakhand a few months ago. According to an order passed by the Home Ministry, the case was transferred to the NIA for further investigation.