ED Conducts Searches at Eight Bengaluru Locations in ISIS Recruitment Investigation

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday carried out searches at eight locations across Bengaluru as part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged ISIS recruitment and terror funding network, according to officials. The raids, led by the ED's Bengaluru Zonal Office, began early in the morning and were still underway at the time of reporting. The searches are linked to the agency's Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), which was registered on the basis of a National Investigation Agency (NIA) FIR concerning suspected ISIS recruitment activities allegedly connected to Iqra Welfare Trust, Guidance for Mankind, and several individuals based in Bengaluru.

The NIA had invoked provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), including Sections 17 (raising funds for terrorist activities), 18 (conspiracy and preparatory acts for terrorism), and 18B (recruitment for terrorist organisations). Earlier in the investigation, the NIA arrested four individuals and later filed a chargesheet naming Irfan Nasir, Ahamed Abdul Cader, Mohd Tauqir Mahmood, Zuhab Hameed Shakeel Manna, and Mohd Shihab as accused.

According to the chargesheet, the accused allegedly conspired to radicalise and recruit young Muslims from Bengaluru on behalf of the banned terrorist group ISIS (also known as ISIL/Daesh). Investigators claim they used initiatives such as a personality development programme called "Iqra Camp" and a recurring "Quran Circle" study group to identify and influence potential recruits.

The probe further alleges that the network arranged funding and logistics to facilitate the travel of recruits to Syria through Turkey, where they were allegedly encouraged to join ISIS and participate in armed activities against the Syrian government. Investigators also claim the accused attempted to exploit public sentiment surrounding the CAA/NRC protests to spread extremist ideology, incite communal divisions, and circulate ISIS propaganda through encrypted social media platforms.

Officials further allege that funds for these activities were collected from individuals, charitable trusts, and the personal savings of those involved, with the money allegedly used to support the recruitment process and the overseas travel of recruits. The ED's investigation is continuing, and further details are expected once the searches are completed.