IIT Guwahati student Tauseef radicalised to join ISIS was linked with terror outfit for years through ‘dark web’

Tauseef Ali Farooqui, the IIT Guwahati student detained by the Assam Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) for posting allegiance to ISIS, remains in ATS custody as investigations continue. According to police officials, Farooqui’s interest in “Islamist” ideologies predates his enrollment at IIT Guwahati, intensifying notably over the past three to four months, primarily through online platforms including the dark web.

During a search of Farooqui’s hostel room, authorities discovered a ‘black flag’ and a manuscript. Additional Superintendent of Police Kalyan Kumar Pathak indicated that the flag bore a resemblance to the ISIS flag, pending confirmation from specialised agencies.

Describing Farooqui as “very intelligent,” police officials expressed puzzlement over his decision to publicly declare allegiance to ISIS, which facilitated his apprehension. ASP Pathak characterised Farooqui as a “loner” who maintained a limited social circle and seldom ventured outside his room except for classes.

Farooqui’s parents, who are separated, visited him at the STF police station in Guwahati on Friday. His mother operates a boutique in South Delhi’s Batla House, while his father resides in Patna. Farooqui’s elder brother, also an IIT-Kanpur graduate, runs a startup.

A fellow fourth-year student residing in Farooqui’s hostel noted that students in their third and fourth year of B.Tech are allocated individual rooms, explaining Farooqui’s lack of a roommate for the past two years.

According to an institute administrator, Farooqui was an above-average student expected to graduate in a month. The recent developments have left faculty members surprised.

Tauseef Ali Farooqui, was detained by Assam Police on 23rd March for pledging allegiance to the terrorist group Islamic State (ISIS). According to reports, Farooqui sent an email to several colleges and Assam’s Inspector General of Police, Partha Sarathi Mahanta, declaring his intention to migrate to the region known as Islamic State-Khorasan Province to pledge allegiance to ISIS. In the email, he expressed his dissociation from the Indian Constitution and disavowed “infidels” from all lands.

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. 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.

Subsequently, Farooqui was apprehended by locals and members of the Hindu Jagaran Manch in Damdama, Hajo, near Guwahati. Witnesses reported that he was carrying a black flag, chanting Islamic slogans, and openly declaring his support for ISIS when confronted. He was then handed over to the police by the locals. A case has been registered against Farooqui under the stringent provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and he has been in police custody for ten days since Sunday.

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 radicalisation 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 radicalisation, underscoring the urgent need for action to address extremism within academic institutions.