In a significant development, the Maharashtra Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) recently visited Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada in pursuit of Abdul Kadir Sultan, alias Moulana Sultan, who is accused in a blast case in Pune. Armed with a court order, ATS officers focused their search on Sultan’s residence in Navayath Colony, Bhatkal, but found him absent. Sultan has been absconding for the past year.
The ATS subsequently issued a court notice at his residence. The notice, issued by VR Kachre, Special Judge under the UAPA Act in Pune, reads: “A complaint has been made before me that the accused number 1 Abdul Kadir Sultan alias Moulana Sultan is a resident of Bhatkal, Uttara Kannada. He is punishable under sections 10 and 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967. Since he is absconding, he is required to appear at District Session Court, Pune, before this court in connection with the case on June 21, 2024.”
This move follows the recent questioning of an individual from Banavasi regarding alleged terror links, which has kept the local community on high alert. The ATS’s actions underscore the ongoing efforts to apprehend individuals involved in unlawful activities and ensure legal proceedings are carried out.
