Mazgaon man breaks down in court

Mazgaon resident Khan Mohammad Hussein (36), who was arrested on Friday evening, was produced before a sessions court on Saturday where he broke down and cried seeing his wife and family in pain. His arrest was part of the joint operation of the Maharashtra anti-terrorism squad (ATS) and National Investigation Agency (NIA). He was living in Pearl Harbour building in Tulsiwadi area of Mazgaon for the past two years.

The court was informed that they had seized a laptop, an iPad and two cellphones, some documents, jihadi literature and photos from Khan’s possession. The agency was granted a three-day transit custody of Khan to take him to Delhi.

When the judge asked him if he wished to say anything, Khan replied, “Sir, I admit I have made a mistake.” On their way out, his family avoided speaking to mediapersons, but his brother said that Khan was pressurised by the police to say that he was guilty. Khan runs a gold trading business. He is said to have two wives and his daughters are aged around nine and 12 years.

The residents of Pearl Harbour avoided the media, but one woman from the building expressed shock over his arrest. She said, “The family was unfriendly. They were living a secluded life. They never participated in any of the building’s functions. They have been living here for two-and-a-half years now. Khan’s daughters used to mingle with the other children at first, but that stopped soon after. He did not speak to anyone here. I don’t even know what his wife looks like, her face was always covered.”

The building’s security guard said, “Sir (Khan) left the building four days ago in his car. The police searched his home and took away some material and valuables. Things were scattered in his home. His family left the same day and now the room is locked.”

On Saturday, the ATS arrested one Imran Moazzam Khan Pathan, a 26-year-old youth, who is said to be unemployed. Pathan is a resident of Badi Masjid area in Vaijapur city in Aurangabad. Pathan was in touch with Shaikh. He was arrested at around 10.30 am and handed over to the NIA, which will take him to Delhi where the other arrested accused are being taken.

After Pathan, another ATS team traced a youth to Uttar Pradesh and arrested him. An ATS team, led by police inspector Mayekar, along with assistance from ATS officials in UP arrested Rizwan Ahmed Ali Nawazuddin alias Khalid. Nawazuddin is a resident of Kasiya, Kushinagar district in UP. Nawazuddin is being brought back to Mumbai.