NIA seeks assistance of US, UAE in ISIS case probe

NEW DELHI: The NIA today told a Delhi court that it has sought assistance from the US and UAE for evidence related to social media and other chat messengers used by arrested suspected ISIS operative Mohamed Naser Packeer.

In a plea filed before district judge Amarnath seeking extension of period of detention of Naser beyond 90 days from the date of his arrest, National Investigation Agency (NIA) said it has sent Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) to both the countries in this regard.

"On January 13, 2016, NIA has sent MLAT to USA and UAE requesting them to provide the evidence regarding social media and other chat/messengers services used by accused Mohamed Naser. Reply in this regard is still awaited," the agency said in the plea moved during an in-camera proceeding.

Sources said NIA also informed the court that they were awaiting the reply on letters rogatory (LR) issued to Republic of Sudan for collection of relevant evidence in the case.

They said the agency told the court that during the probe, it was found that there was a larger conspiracy by the ISIS operators in India and abroad for recruitment of resident and non-resident Indians and identity of such associates were being ascertained.

The court allowed the NIA's plea and extended the period of investigation against Naser in the case by one month.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu-based Naser, who was deported from Sudan and was arrested in the case on December 11 last year, today moved a bail application through his counsel M S Khan.

The court has asked NIA to file its response on the bail plea on April 8.

Naser, currently in judicial custody, sought bail on the ground that the NIA has failed to file a charge sheet against him within 90 days period from the date of his arrest.

In its plea, NIA claimed that during interrogation, Naser had disclosed names and mobile numbers of some active members and sympathisers of ISIS and identity of such associates were being ascertained.