Suspected IS activist held in Chennai

Chennai, Sep 18: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday said it has arrested a person here suspected to have links with proscribed Islamic State terrorist organisation.

In a statement, the NIA said Shakul Hameed, a city resident, was arrested here by its Chief Investigation Officer.

According to the statement, the main accused Haja Fakkurudeen, a Singaporean citizen of Indian origin and native of Cuddalore district in Tamil Nadu, has joined IS in Syria during January, 2014, along with his family.

Fakkurudeen had visited India twice between November 2013 and January 2014, when he had allegedly conducted conspiracy meetings along with co-accused Khaja Moideen, Hameed and others at various places in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka with the intention of recruiting more persons into the IS.

According to NIA, in pursuance of the conspiracy, Hameed had attempted to migrate to IS-controlled territory in Syria during August 2015, through Turkey, where he was intercepted by Turkish authorities and deported back to India.