Kochi: The Kerala Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested a 26-year-old man from Malappuram in a fresh case over his alleged links with an anti-national group, following an investigation into an offensive comment he allegedly posted under a video featuring the daughter of a Pahalgam terror attack victim.
Fresh case follows earlier investigation
The accused, Muhammed Sanoof of Aikkarappadi, had been detained at Karipur airport in July after returning from Saudi Arabia. The latest case reportedly emerged from an earlier investigation by Idukki police.
Last year, Muttam police had registered a case against Sanoof over the alleged offensive comment posted beneath a video featuring the daughter of N Ramachandran, a Kochi native who was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack. The UAPA was subsequently invoked in that case.
According to police sources, investigators examining Sanoof’s mobile phone allegedly found links to groups suspected of anti-national activities. Police also allege that he was part of a Signal messaging group suspected of discussing activities against the government.
ATS examines alleged wider links
The fresh case names five other alleged members — Azhari Kuraishi, Faizan Mohammed, Shaheer, Shoeb Ammed and Ibn Ahamed. Police are attempting to identify and trace the other accused, who are suspected to be from different parts of the country.
The case has been registered under Sections 148 and 149 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Sections 18 and 18B of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Sanoof was produced before the Ernakulam Additional District and Sessions Court, which remanded him to ATS custody until September 18. The ATS has also informed the National Investigation Agency about the case while investigators examine whether the alleged group had any involvement in terrorist activities.
The allegations against Sanoof and the other accused remain subject to investigation and due legal process.