The tranquil corridors of IIT Guwahati were rocked by the sudden disappearance of Tauseef Ali Farooqui, a final year Biotechnology student, on March 23rd. Anxiety rippled through the campus as the day progressed with no trace of Tauseef. However, the situation took a chilling turn when a startling social media post by Tauseef went viral, revealing his disturbing allegiance to the notorious Islamist terrorist organisation ISIS. This revelation not only sent shockwaves through the IITG community but also ignited broader concerns about the infiltration of radical ideologies into esteemed academic institutions.
The incident serves as a sobering wake-up call, emphasising the critical importance of maintaining vigilant safeguards against extremism within our educational spaces. It underscores the pressing need for proactive measures to thwart the spread of such dangerous ideologies, ensuring the safety and integrity of academic environments nationwide.
In a startling turn of events, Tauseef Ali Farooqui, the final-year student at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati), has reportedly joined the radical Islamic terrorist group ISIS. The revelation of Farooqui’s radicalization came to light through an open letter posted on social media platforms. In this letter, titled ‘An Open Letter,’ Farooqui expressed his disavowal of Indian society, institutions, and land, denouncing them as part of a “Kafirs society.” He openly declared his allegiance to ISIS and his intention to participate in the group’s activities, framing it as a fight between Muslims and ‘Kafirs’ (infidels).
Farooqui’s letter contained chilling statements, including, “It’s a fight between Muslims (those who have surrendered to Allah) and Kafirs (infidels) and the fight is in every part of the world as the earth, all of it, belongs to Allah.” This proclamation not only revealed his radical beliefs but also underscored his determination to join the ranks of ISIS fighters.
Utilising selective interpretations of Quranic verses, Farooqui attempted to justify his actions and issued a call for non-believers to embrace Islam, warning of dire consequences for those who resist. Farooqi further wrote, “My message to the Kafirs, repent before Allah with sincere repentance. There is no God except Alllah and Mohammed is his messenger. Establish salat amongst your people and give Zakat. And if you turn away I will give you painful punishment.”
Amidst growing concerns over Farooqui’s radicalization, a significant breakthrough occurred on 20th March 2024 when the Assam Police Special Task Force (STF) successfully apprehended Harish Ajmal Farooqi, the head of ISIS in India, along with his associate Anurag Singh alias Rehan, in a meticulously planned operation conducted in Dhubri district.
This operation represents a crucial milestone in the fight against terrorism in the region. The arrest of these high-ranking ISIS operatives followed intelligence indicating their presence in a neighbouring country, with plans to infiltrate Indian territory via the Dhubri sector. The STF’s swift action and collaboration with national agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA), led to the apprehension of these individuals.
Following their arrest, the ISIS terrorists were taken into custody by the NIA and transferred to Delhi for further investigation. This development underscores the urgent need for coordinated efforts to counter extremist ideologies and safeguard national security.
Tauseef’s Capture
Assam Police Special Task Force (STF) has apprehended Tauseef Ali Farooqui, who declared his allegiance to the radical Islamic terrorist group ISIS. After an extensive search police were clueless about his whereabouts. But 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. Assam Police STF has pledged to conduct a thorough investigation to uncover any potential connections or networks associated with Farooqui’s terrorist organisation affiliations.
Batla House Connection
In another 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 was later detained by STF. 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,the other was also grilled by the police . 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 radicalisation within academic institutions.
Indoctrination Expert ISIS India Head Ajmal Farooqi’s Capture
In a calculated move reflecting meticulous planning, the Assam Police Special Task Force (STF) successfully apprehended Harish Ajmal Farooqi, alleged head of ISIS in India, and his associate Anurag Singh alias Rehan, in Dhubri district on 20th March. The huge success of the Indian security agencies has a lot to do with dismantling Islamic terrorism in the country.
How ISIS Terrorist Farukhi Was Arrested?
This operation, guided by intelligence provided by central agencies, was meticulously orchestrated over a 15-day period.
Under the leadership of STF IGP Partha Sarthi Mahanta, multiple teams were deployed in Dhubri district, in close coordination with local law enforcement, to gather crucial intelligence on the suspects’ movements. The utilisation of local spies proved invaluable, providing real-time updates on suspicious activities and enhancing the STF’s operational effectiveness.
The impending general elections heightened security concerns in the border district, necessitating heightened vigilance. Top-tier STF officers, including IGP Mahanta, arrived in Dhubri on 19th March to oversee the operation. Throughout the night, coordinated search efforts were conducted in suspected areas along the international border, with STF teams maintaining a heightened state of alertness.
The operation reached its climax around 4 am on 20th March when STF personnel intercepted Farooqi and Rehan in the Dharamsala area. Their swift apprehension underscored the strategic planning and seamless execution employed by the STF, as they promptly verified the suspects’ identities and confirmed their involvement in terrorist activities.
Following their arrest, Ajmal Farooqi and Rehan were expeditiously transported to Guwahati for initial interrogation. Subsequently, a team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrived to take custody of the suspects for further investigation. The smooth coordination between the Assam STF and central agencies exemplifies the efficacy of interagency collaboration in combating terrorism.
The success of this operation not only led to the apprehension of high-profile terrorists but also yielded invaluable intelligence that will aid in disrupting terror networks and preventing future attacks. The Assam STF’s strategic planning, swift action, and seamless coordination underscore their unwavering commitment to safeguarding national security and ensuring the safety of citizens.
Terrorist Farooqi’s Modus Operandi
Harish Ajmal Farooqi, the head of the Indian faction of the ISIS terrorist organisation, is considered one of the most wanted terrorists in India, sought after by agencies like the NIA and UP ATS, as well as various state police anti-terrorist units. Farooqi’s notoriety stems from his expertise in IED operations, terrorist recruitment, and indoctrination. He has been linked to numerous anti-national activities within India.
According to IGP Mahanta, Farooqi is a skilled recruiter, having enlisted dozens of youths into the fold of Islamic terrorist groups. Additionally, Farooqi is adept at indoctrination, using his persuasive techniques to radicalise individuals and incite them to join the jihad or engage in terrorist activities. His associate, Anurag Singh, also known as Rehan, who was apprehended with him in Dhubri, serves as a prime example of Farooqi’s indoctrination capabilities.
Originally a Hindu from Sonipat, Haryana, Singh was allegedly persuaded by Farooqi to convert to Islam and subsequently became a prominent member of ISIS, underscoring Farooqi’s profound influence in the realm of radicalization and recruitment.
Terror Funding
Furthermore, Farooqi’s expertise extends to terror funding, a crucial aspect of sustaining terrorist activities in India. His proficiency in collecting and utilising funds for terrorism underscores his strategic prowess in orchestrating nefarious activities. Despite the heightened vigilance of security agencies, Farooqi managed to organise and circulate funds through various channels, navigating the complexities of terror financing. IGP Mahanta emphasised the challenges posed by terror funding, highlighting the perpetual vigilance required by security agencies.
However, Farooqi’s apprehension represents a significant triumph for Indian security agencies. With his capture, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is optimistic about unravelling numerous terror links and dismantling the funding networks associated with Islamic terrorism in the country. Farooqi’s arrest marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, offering a glimmer of hope in the relentless pursuit of national security and stability.
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