Dad's testimony may land ISIS sympathiser in jail

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed its first charge sheet against an accused involved with the banned terrorist organisation Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). 23-year-old Mohammed Naser, a resident of Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu has been charged with waging war against the country, and other relevant sections under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention), Act (UAPA).

Naser, who was deported from Sudan while he was on his way to Libya to join the ISIS in December last year, was turned in by his own father Mohammed Pakeer. The father's testimony – an important evidence, recorded under section 164 of the Cr PC will show how he failed to dissuade his son from going to the IS.

In its charge sheet, the NIA stated that since 2008, accused Naser was initially inclined towards an organisation named Tamil Nadu Thowheed Jamat (TNTJ) – a Tamil Nadu based Islamic organisation. It was alleged that Naser regularly attended meetings organised by TNTJ that would actively propagate hate against Israel, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and others.

In 2014, Naser migrated to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) to work with a global IT firm as a graphic designer and web developer. There, Naser was heavily influenced by the teachings of Anjem Chaudhary and Abu Barra, Islamic Scholars based in United Kingdom. It was stated that Naser even tried to influence a native of his village in Tamil Nadu with YouTube videos and other propaganda material adhering to the ideology of the ISIS. Naser eventually confided in his friend, his desire to join the Islamic state.

Investigation by the NIA revealed that Naser got in touch with a person with the username and ID Dawlah on Twitter, who then advised him to join a WhatsApp group Islam Q&A that was administered by Karen Hamidan. Once in, ON Hamidan's instructions, Naser even began to design logos and pictures on ISIS that was shared by the members of the group.

Hamidan eventually added Naser to groups on other applications like Telegram that proved to be a safer means for communication.

It was in August 2015 that Naser came across Mad_Mullah on Twitter and expressed his desire to join ISIS. The Mad_Mullah eventually responded to Naser's persistent attempts and advised him to reach Syria through Sudan and Libya where the security checks were less stringent on the Syrian border. In September 2015, Naser finally decided to leave his Dubai job and leave for Syria once the Mad_Mullah offered to take care of all expenses.

Naser stole his passport from his employer and eventually left for Sudan on September 21, 2015. On reaching Khartoum, Naser received a message "have a great stay in Sudan," on his mobile number 97155551****. From Khartoum, Naser sent his father a long message, the gist of which says, "I have reached to the Islamic State (sic). I know it might sound crazy for you but your son really had to take this bold step to get out of the corrupt system which has democracy first on its list. There is no come back my father. Don't go to police as they will torture you and they cannot find me."

Yusha Kashmiri, a Dubai-based Kashmiri who is ailing from kidney cancer – last stage, is also an important witness. Naser's acquaintance in Dubai, Yusha confirmed that Naser was radicalised and intended to join the ISIS. Yusha has also recorded his statement – rather his dying declaration, with the NIA to that effect.

These testimonies along with an extensive digital trail left behind by Naser have helped NIA prove its case to the special NIA court at Patiala House on Friday. Naser's Twitter ID's, his emails, WhatsApp and Telegram conversation among others have been submitted in court.

District Judge Amarnath has fixed June 9 for the scrutiny of the charge sheet.