NIA files charge sheet in Pune ISIS module case

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a charge sheet of over 4000 pages in the Pune Islamic State (ISIS) module case, revealing details about the accused involved. The NIA has named seven individuals as accused, all of whom were educated and employed by prominent companies. The charge sheet sheds light on how the accused used code words to procure chemicals for making IEDs.

According to the charge sheet, the accused used code words like vinegar for sulfuric acid, 'Gulab Jal' (rosewater) for acetone, and sharbat for hydrogen peroxide to obtain the necessary chemicals. They also used easily accessible materials such as a washing machine timer, thermometer, speaker wire, and 12-volt bulb along with other items for constructing the IEDs.

The charge sheet further reveals that the accused conducted reconnaissance in Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, and Karnataka with the intention of carrying out terror attacks. Additionally, the NIA seized a drone that the accused had used for photography and videography purposes.

Interestingly, most of the arrested accused in the case were highly educated and possessed technical expertise. For example, one of the accused, Zulfikar, held the position of a senior project manager in a multinational IT company, earning an annual package of Rs 31 lakh. Another accused, Shahnawaz, was a mining engineer with extensive knowledge of explosives. Furthermore, Kadir Pathan, another arrested individual, worked as a graphics designer.

In an alarming disclosure, the NIA stated that one of the accused, Akeef Nachan, had attended a terrorist training camp in Madhya Pradesh's Ratlam in February 2022, where he received training on creating IEDs. The charge sheet also alleges that the accused were in contact with foreign handlers who were kept informed about the progress of their plans.

The NIA's charge sheet provides valuable insights into the operations and capabilities of the accused in the Pune ISIS module case. It emphasizes the need for continued vigilance and effective counterterrorism measures to prevent such activities and protect national security.