Another IIT Guwahati student being probed after arrest of Tauseef Ali Farooqui; both resided near Batla House: Assam CM

Guwahati: In a concerning development, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma disclosed on March 24 that another student from the prestigious institution, IIT Guwahati, has purportedly pledged allegiance to ISIS, marking the second case of radicalization within the institution. The student in question remains at large, prompting the Special Task Force (STF) to intensify investigations to apprehend them swiftly. CM Sarma expressed dismay over the situation, emphasising that both identified students have been fully radicalised. While one student has been detained by the authorities, efforts are underway to locate and arrest the second individual. Notably, both students hail from families residing near Batla House in Delhi, with authorities promptly informing their parents and involving central agencies in the matter. CM Sarma underscored the gravity of the situation, highlighting the arrested student’s complete radicalization, underscoring the urgent need for action to address extremism within academic institutions.

It should be mentioned that in a dramatic turn of events, Assam Police Special Task Force (STF) has apprehended Tauseef Ali Farooqui, a fourth-year biotechnology student at IIT Guwahati, who declared his allegiance to the radical Islamic terrorist group ISIS. Farooqui went missing from his hostel on the morning of March 23rd and subsequently posted on social media, severing ties with Indian society and announcing his association with ISIS. After an extensive search, locals in the Hajo area, located about 35 kilometres from Guwahati, captured Farooqui later that day, brandishing an ISIS flag and carrying two sharp weapons. He was detained by local authorities and later transferred to the STF for further investigation.

Upon searching Farooqui’s hostel room, STF officials uncovered numerous objectionable documents, suggesting potential extremist leanings. Reportedly, Farooqui kept mostly to himself and spent a significant amount of time on his computer, rarely engaging with his roommates. Originally from Delhi, Farooqui resides in the Jamia Nagar area of the national capital. STF has transported Farooqui to Guwahati for further interrogation and investigation.

This incident highlights concerns about the presence of radical ideologies within academic institutions and underscores the importance of vigilance in combating extremism. Assam Police STF has pledged to conduct a thorough investigation to uncover any potential connections or networks associated with Farooqui’s terrorist organisation affiliations.