Investigations by enforcement authorities have uncovered connections between a Chennai-based individual, acting as a “sparrow” (clandestine smuggler), and the terrorist group ISIS. On May 20, 2024, the anti-terrorist squad in Gujarat apprehended four individuals linked to ISIS who had travelled from Sri Lanka to Ahmedabad via Chennai. Further probe and cybercrime analysis led to the confiscation of firearms from multiple locations and revealed plans to launch attacks in Gujarat, including suicide bombings. The investigation is now exploring potential links between the Chennai “sparrows” and associates in Ahmedabad.
Against this backdrop, the Tamil Nadu Police’s recently established anti-terrorism squad, modelled after those in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, is actively pursuing the case. The arrest of Mohammad Nasrat, along with Mohammad Nafran, Mohammad Faris, and Mohammad Rashidin, all originating from Sri Lanka, brought to light Nasrat’s role as a “sparrow” in Chennai. Nasrat was found to have worked with ISIS through the banned National Thowheeth Jama’ath, an Islamic terror outfit aiming to convert Sri Lanka into an Islamic caliphate.
Authorities have verified their association with the prohibited organisation in Sri Lanka, which has ties to ISIS. Nasrat is known to frequently visit Chennai for business dealings, and investigations revealed that gold smuggling into Chennai has been ongoing for the last three years. Moreover, Nasrat’s recent trips to Mumbai have prompted a thorough investigation to determine if his connections with ISIS in Chennai have expanded. Sri Lankan authorities are also probing these developments.
Notably, the mainstream media in Tamil Nadu have largely ignored or failed to report on this significant issue. The recent arrest of individuals linked to Hizb ut-Tahrir (HuT) activities, reports of ISIS recruitment, a surge in narcotic drug trafficking, and the arrest of international drug peddler Jaffar Sadiq all underscore a troubling trend. Tamil Nadu appears to have become a haven for anti-nationals, anti-social elements, terrorists, and drug mafias. The authorities are ramping up efforts to address these threats and secure the region from further infiltration by such dangerous elements.
