Ex-Bahrain residents in the dock for links to ISIS

Manama : Eight former residents of Bahrain have come under police radar in the Indian state of Kerala for their suspected involvement in ‘Bahrain group’, a collective formed to promote Islamic State. 

Investigators are collecting details of their presence, base and activities in the Indian state as a man named UK Hamsa arrested from Valapattanam in the Kannur district of Kerala turned to be an advisor to the group. 

The suspects, according to Kerala police, had left for Syria after reportedly holding a special meeting in Perinthalmanna, as directed by Hamsa alias ‘Biriyani Hamsa’.  A report by Asianet news, quoting police in Wandoor near Malappuram district, said the suspects had their meeting in an ‘Islamic centre’ in Manama. 

Meanwhile, The ‘centre’ in Manama, in a statement, rejected the allegations and explained that they are working against terrorist activities. Police, according a news report, later acknowledge the ‘centre’s’ claim and said that the meeting was held by the group at the ‘centre’ without their knowledge. 

The police also claimed, according to Asianet news channel, the group conducted training sessions in the Gulf and created ‘Bahrain Group’ to inculcate the ideology of the ISIS. 

“The accused had decided to join the ISIS in Syria and had even come to Kannur to seek advice from Hamsa regarding the same,” the report said citing police sources. 

Charges were pressed against Vaniyambalam native Manayil Ashraf Moulavi, Perumbavoor native Safeer, Kondotty native Mansoor, Thamarassery native Shaibu Nihar, Vadakara native Mansoor, Kannur Chalad native Shahanad, Koyilandi native Fajid and Vaniyambalm native Muhaddis under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). 

Hamsa reportedly told police that he has “sent many Middle East based youth to fight in Syria”. “At least 40 youths were sent to Syria, 5 of whom died in the war.” 

Reports say four persons, including Muhaddis, are killed in Syria. Among others, Fajis reportedly could not enter Syria. Police said five-person are in custody in Kannur for alleged links to ISIS. Several intelligence agencies including India’s RAW, IB and other anti-terrorists wings are interrogating the suspects.