A special NIA court in Bengaluru convicted three youths—Syed Ismail Afaq, Abdul Sabur, and Saddam Hussain from Bhatkal—for criminal conspiracy, illegal possession of explosives, and waging war against the country. The plot aimed to carry out blasts across India during then US President Barack Obama’s January 2015 visit. Two others, Riaz Ahmed and Jainullbuddin, were acquitted of all charges.
Key Details:
- Investigative Breakthrough: The conspiracy was uncovered during the investigation of the December 2014 Church Street blast, aided by decoding encrypted messages sent from Pakistan to Bhatkal.
- Arrests and Seizures: Raids led by CCB uncovered detonators, gelatine sticks, pipe bombs, and various explosive components in houses in Bhatkal and Pulakeshinagar.
- Role in Terror Network: Afaq and Sabur acted as logistics operatives for the Indian Mujahideen, responsible for storing and transporting explosives.
The case underscores coordinated efforts between police and intelligence agencies in averting a major terror threat.