IM media cell learnt hacking ; brought equipment from US

MUMBAI: The Indian Mujahideen(IM) militants underwent a special hacking training in Hyderabad and also purchased a radio signal detector and other equipment used for breaking into a computer from the United States, according to Mumbai police's chargesheet.

The 1,800-page chargesheet filed in the court against 21 people yesteerday said Mansoor Peerbhoy, who was employed with a IT company, undertook special training in hacking from an expert in Hyderabad in May 2007.

In September 2007, while on an official visit to the US, Peerbhoy had purchased equipment such as a spy camera and a radio frequency signal detector to facilitate terrorist activities of Indian Mujahideen, the chargesheet said.

To avoid getting caught, Riyaz Bhatkal, founder of IM and a wanted accused, formed a "media cell" with members proficient in computer skills.

"The media cell was led by software engineer Peerbhoy who was assisted by Mubin Shaikh and Asif Shaikh both proficient in the use of computers," the chargesheet said, adding they avoided using cyber cafe after the Ahmedabad blasts.

Bhatkal in May last directed Peerbhoy to send e-mails by Wi-Fi instead of using cyber cafes. In June 2008, he zeroed in on locations of assured internet connectivity in Colaba, CST, Dadar, Matunga, Sion in Central Mumbai and suburban Chembur and Sanpada in Navi Mumbai.