Kerala: Mystery surrounds handover of anti-national parallel telephone exchange cases to NIA after four-year delay

The recent decision of the Kerala government to transfer cases related to anti-national parallel telephone exchanges to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has sparked speculation and raised questions about the delay in taking action on these matters. The move comes after the cases had been kept in cold storage for four years, prompting observers to scrutinise the timing and motives behind the decision.

The cases, which were initially registered in 2019 amid suspicions of terror links, had languished without significant progress or investigation. Allegations have surfaced suggesting that the delay may have been intentional, aimed at buying time for the destruction of evidence. Twenty cases, spread across fourteen police stations in various districts of Kerala, were handed over to the NIA in March, with seven cases alone in Malappuram district and five in Kasaba police station.

Reports indicate that since their registration, the cases remained dormant, with little to no serious inquiry conducted by the government. The oldest case dates back to 2019, registered in Mancherry Police Station, Malappuram district. Subsequent discoveries of similar exchanges in places like Muzhukkunnu, Kannur, and Kolathoor, Malappuram, in 2020 and 2022, revealed the sophisticated nature of these operations, including remote-controlled systems and equipment capable of handling 512 SIM cards simultaneously.

Despite these revelations, investigations by the Kerala Police were reportedly limited in scope and failed to delve into potential foreign connections or networks involved in these illicit activities. The complexity of the cases and the suspected international links necessitated a more thorough and specialised approach, prompting the decision to involve the NIA.

The equipment seized from various locations, including Pulamanthol, Kattuppara, and Amayoor, showcased the advanced capabilities of these parallel telephone exchanges, capable of facilitating calls using hundreds of SIM cards at a time. The involvement of foreign elements further underscored the need for a comprehensive investigation beyond the capabilities of the state police force.

Allegations of delay and a perceived soft attitude towards terror-related cases have surfaced against the Kerala government, as it finally hands over cases related to parallel telephone exchanges to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The move comes after years of delay and calls for central agencies to investigate the matter.

Parallel telephone exchanges, often utilized by individuals with links to illegal activities and terror networks, allow communication with individuals abroad without drawing the attention of law enforcement agencies. Despite demands for investigations by central agencies, the state government had previously refrained from taking action, prompting criticism and accusations of playing delaying tactics.

The recent decision to transfer the cases to the NIA sheds light on the complexity of the issue and the potential involvement of foreign elements, particularly spies from Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). It is believed that some individuals involved in these parallel telephone exchanges are connected to sleeper cells associated with the Islamic State (IS) in Kerala.

Reports suggest that the NIA’s investigation will focus on tracing calls made to Pakistan and Bangladesh, aiming to uncover potential terror links and connections to illegal immigrants posing as Bengalis. These exchanges, which clandestinely bypass traditional communication channels, are believed to have been facilitated by the ISI to aid terror activities in India.

The delayed action by the state government has raised concerns about the loss of crucial evidence and opportunities for further inquiry. Critics argue that the reluctance to involve central agencies earlier may have hindered efforts to combat terror-related activities effectively.