IM planned to kidnap Jews to free Al-Qaeda-linked Pakistan scientist: NIA

“Investigation has established that during the stay of the accused A-6 (Yasin Bhatkal) in Nepal, Riyaz had also suggested kidnapping of Jews as a bargain to set free one Dr Aafia Siddiqui, imprisoned by the USA,” the NIA has stated following an analysis of the transcripts of online chats between IM operatives, which was unearthed following Yasin’s arrest.

The alleged conversations followed a visit by Riyaz to meet al-Qaeda leaders around June-July 2013 to forge an alliance. In his conversation with Yasin in August, that year, Riyaz said that he had been tasked by the al-Qaeda to “attack Jews in India”, the NIA said.

Freedom for the US-educated Siddiqui has emerged as a common cause among jihadist groups, with the Islamic State reportedly having sought her release along with a ransom before it killed Foley and Sotloff.

The transcripts of the chats between IM operatives also suggest a fluidity in the relationship between terrorist groups. For instance, during a chat with Yasin on May 23, 2013, Riyaz stated that he has arranged for the arrival in Pakistan of an Indian youth, Abdul Majeed, against whom Indian authorities issued an Interpol Red Corner Notice after he was named by the Bangalore police and the NIA in an alleged LeT conspiracy to recruit youths from India for jihadist activities.

Majeed, a native of Hyderabad and the younger brother of Shahid Bilal — an LeT and HuJI linked operative killed in Karachi in 2009 — was known to be living in Saudi Arabia and is alleged to have facilitated the travel of two youths from Hubli in Karnataka to Pakistan in 2011-12.

According to the charge sheet, Riyaz told Yasin that he was planning to bring Majeed to Pakistan from Saudi Arabia. Since Majeed had an Indian passport, he was looking for an escape route from Saudi Arabia, and Riyaz had arranged for the escape by telling Pakistan’s ISI that Majeed was an IM fund-raiser in Saudi Arabia, NIA said, quoting the transcripts of the chat.