Kashmir youth with ‘suspected terror’ links and Pakistani connections arrested in Odisha

By Akshya Rout

Bhubaneswar, Dec. 16: The Special Task Force (STF) of Odisha police’s Crime Branch on Saturday arrested a Kashmiri youth from Jajpur for his “suspected” terror links.

The accused, identified as Sayed Ishaan Bukhari, was in touch with “suspicious” persons in Kerala and some Pakistani nationals, revealed preliminary investigations.

According to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police (Special Task Force), Jay Narayan Pankaj, Bukhari who impersonated as a doctor, as a top official in the Prime Minister’s Office and a close associate of senior officer of National Investigation Agency (NIA), married at least 6 to 7 girls from various parts of India, including Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Odisha.

He was also active on various websites/ apps and was in romantic relationships with many girls impersonating as a doctor with international degrees.

Senior Special Task Force (STF) officials said that the accused had some links with “anti-national” elements, but his exact role needs a detailed investigation.

“We have ample evidence against the accused being a fraudster. It is very early to say anything regarding his involvement as far as terror angle is concerned, and it is being scrutinised. However, there are some links and we do not have much evidence in this regard as of now,” said STF DIG, Pankaj.

The accused has been staying in Jajpur district since 2018. After a case was registered in Kashmir, he was frequently changing locations across the country.

Crime Branch officials informed, “The accused had some links with international terror outfit ISIS as we have some communication links like chats. A detailed investigation is needed on what kind of links he had with the Kerala-based anti-national elements or organisation.”

“We will bring the accused on a seven-day remand for a detailed investigation, “said Pankaj.

As many as 100 incriminating documents have been seized from the youth.

To a query if the accused was a Pakistani spy, the DIG Pankar said, “It is too early to say, but there were some links with Pakistan and it will be verified. As of now, we do not have much evidence. However, we are in touch with the NIA and we are working together on this.”

Sources said that either the accused or his father had some case in Punjab as well. Senior officials informed that the Odisha Crime Branch is also in touch with Punjab police and Kashmir police and a joint interrogation can also be held. Sources said that no arms and ammunition were seized from the accused during the raid.

“Four mobile phones seized from the accused will be sent for examination to collect information about chats and links,” the DIG said.

————– 

Photograph: Sayed Ishaan Bukhari (Centre) being taken into custody by Crime Branch sleuths of Odisha police