The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : IM keen on setting up base in city

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Tuesday, Oct 14, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

IM keen on setting up base in city

Staff Reporter

Probe into recently-arrested terror module reveals startling facts

Bhatkal made accomplices hire posh localities to avoid suspicion
‘Standalone’ module responsible for recent terror strikes across the country

HYDERABAD: Making Hyderabad as the base for all future operations in southern part of the country, was the prime goal of the terrorist outfit Indian Mujahideen, the interrogation reports of the recently-arrested terror module indicate.

Intelligence sleuths are, however, yet to ascertain how the IM operatives were to achieve it.

Interrogation reports of the alleged members of the IM recently arrested by Mumbai police revealed that Riyaz Bhatkal, the absconding IM terror cell commander, used to repeatedly tell that efforts should be made to develop strong network for IM in Hyderabad.

Precautions

Police sources say that Bhatkal, unlike earlier terrorist modules that used lower middle-class areas or slums for taking shelter, made it a point that his accomplices hired houses in posh localities. “This would not sow seeds of suspicion in anyone’s mind about your activities,” he reportedly told the IM foot-soldiers.

This did not apply to Hyderabad but to all cities the IM targeted. He also told the IM operatives to make sure that they did not offer prayers in the open, making their religion known to others. All this, was part of the strategy to carry out clandestine operations, police feel.

Directions

The ‘standalone’ module of the IM that is believed to be responsible for most of the recent terror strikes across the country, including the twin blasts triggered in Hyderabad last year, was also assured of complete financial support. “Money is not at all problem, but execute the tasks assigned precisely,” he would tell the IM agents.

Interestingly, considerable amount used by the IM for executing terror plots was procured through committing crimes like kidnaps for ransom, extortions and robberies, the reports indicated. Bhatkal, who was accused of having connection with mafia gangs before joining the IM, used to claim that the organisation need not depend on any external agency like the Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence or other terrorist outfits for financial support.

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