Two suspected SIMI men held in Raipur

Two more suspected Student Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) members, allegedly involved in procuring funds for the banned outfit, were arrested in the State capital, police said on Sunday.

Police are questioning them in connection with the blasts at BJP leader Narendra Modi’s poll rally in Patna last month and also the explosions at Bodh Gaya in July.

Mohammed Saeed Abdul Jaleel (50) and Azharuddin Samshuddin Qureshi (19) were apprehended on Saturday evening, a senior officer said.

“Jaleel, a resident of Sanjay Nagar area, and Qureshi of Rajatalab locality were nabbed for their alleged links with the banned terror outfit,” Raipur SP O.P. Pal told PTI.

With the arrest of the duo, the number of activists linked to the SIMI held from Chhattisgarh so far, has reached 13, he said.

As per initial inputs, Jaleel and Qureshi were involved in arranging funds for the banned outfit and also attended camps organised by the terror module being run by Umer Siddhiqui, arrested on November 14, for allegedly masterminding Bodh Gaya blasts.

Police said Jaleel was running a medical shop at Baijnathpara here. “Azharuddin discontinued his studies and was reportedly participating in camps organised by Siddiqui,” the SP said.

“More startling disclosure would come up further as the investigation progresses,” he added.

Police had apprehended Siddiqui, who runs a coaching centre in Raja Talab, and auto driver Abdul Wahid Khan (54) of Pandri area on November 14, for their alleged links with SIMI.

Police later held Sheikh Habibullah, Roshan Sheikh, Hayat Khan, Sheikh Ajijullah, Moinuddin Kureshi and Md Aziz. On Thursday night, three more suspects namely Md. Dawood, M. Aslam and Sheikh Subhan were netted.

According to the police, Haider Ali alias Abdulla, Numan Alam alias Firoz, Taufiq alias Asif and Mujibulla —all wanted in connection with Patna blasts — had fled to Raipur from Rourkela after bombs went off at Mr. Modi’s rally and stayed in a rented house in Sanjay Nagar area, allegedly arranged by Siddiqui and his associates.

However, they fled by the time police raided the house.

Police claimed that Siddhiqui had planned explosions at Bodh Gaya temple complex in Bihar, and also hatched plan to carry out attack on Mr. Modi during his rallies.

Siddhiqui wanted to target Mr. Modi, during his rallies in Kanpur, Delhi and Ambikapur in Chhattisgarh, police said.