BANAVASI (UTTARA KANNADA): The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended Abdul Shakoor, a 32-year-old terror suspect from Dasana Koppa village in Banavasi taluk. Shakoor is accused of instigating suspects involved in various incidents including the Mangaluru cooker blast, Bengaluru Rameshwaram cafe explosion, and Shivamogga mosque blast.
Shakoor, who works in Dubai and allegedly has connections with banned organization Popular Front of India (PFI), was arrested during raids conducted across Sirsi and Banavasi. He had returned home to celebrate Bakrid when he was detained by the NIA.
Sources indicate that Shakoor maintains online ties with multiple terror groups and holds a passport obtained through fraudulent means, which is also under investigation.
A former moulvi, Shakoor had visited Thirthalli in 2018-19 where he reportedly interacted with key suspects involved in the aforementioned blasts. Despite having limited formal education, he manages a business in Dubai specializing in kitchen items, air-conditioners, and metals.
The NIA has relocated Shakoor to an undisclosed location for further questioning and investigation.