Is the Family of an ISIS-linked Terrorist from UP's Shamli Seeking a Fair Probe?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Azad, a resident of Shamli, was arrested for alleged ISIS connections.
- His family is advocating for a fair and impartial investigation.
- Community leaders have expressed their support for Azad, describing him as a diligent worker.
- The Gujarat ATS has not yet released detailed information about the case.
- The importance of due process in terrorism-related cases is highlighted.
Shamli (Uttar Pradesh), Nov 10 (NationPress) One of the three individuals detained by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) for suspected ties to ISIS has been recognized as Azad, a resident of Jhinjhana in Shamli district, Uttar Pradesh. His family has refuted any knowledge of his connection to any terrorist factions and is calling for a thorough investigation into the matter.
The Gujarat ATS apprehended three suspects on Sunday: Ahmed Mohiuddin Syed, Mohammad Suhel, and Azad. Officials stated that they had been under observation for almost a year and were caught in the act of trying to deliver firearms.
Shahzad, Azad's brother, mentioned that Azad had traveled to Budhana in Muzaffarnagar district just three days prior.
"He was heading to Budhana to bring his niece back home. I was informed by the Gujarat ATS this afternoon that my brother had been taken into custody. When I requested to speak with him, they said they would call back in two to three hours, but I haven't heard anything since then," Shahzad shared with IANS.
He also noted that Azad had never been involved in any criminal activities.
"If my brother is guilty, he should face the consequences; if he's innocent, he deserves to be freed," Shahzad insisted, appealing for a neutral inquiry.
Azad's mother, Farmida, voiced her shock at the accusations. She explained that her son was a laborer and was learning Quranic recitation at a local madrasa in Budhana.
"He left on November 6 or 7, promising to bring back his niece. He hasn’t returned. He juggles work as a tailor and mechanic while studying. We are perplexed by how the Gujarat Police arrested him. He used to attend the Budhana Madrasa on Thursdays and come home on Saturdays," she stated to IANS.
Maulana Irshad, a local community leader, described Azad as diligent and dedicated.
"He was a devoted worker supporting his family. He studied at the Budhana Madrasa and even volunteered to teach children there for a while. His small business suffered due to inflation, and he planned to set up a shop nearby. The circumstances of his arrest are under investigation," Irshad remarked to IANS.
"If he has committed a wrongdoing, the authorities should act decisively. However, if he is innocent, he must receive fair treatment following a comprehensive investigation," he added.
The Gujarat ATS has yet to reveal specific details regarding Azad's involvement in the alleged ISIS-linked operation. The investigation remains active.