Mumbai businessman held in Pakistan could be linked to SIMI, suspects ATS

The Maharashtra ATS suspects that Sheikh Nabi Ahmed, the Indian national arrested in Pakistan, could be the same person whose name had cropped up during the interrogation of people linked to the banned outfit, SIMI, a decade ago.

Ahmed, a Mumbai-based businessman, was arrested on May 19 in Pakistan for not possessing travel documents.

“The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has started collecting information about Sheikh and is in touch with Government of India,” an official said on Monday.

Nabi’s name had figured during the interrogation of the suspected members of the Students’ Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) in 2005-06, which is available in the records of the agency, he said.

“It is not known whether he is the same person or not. In order to get more information about him, we have been in touch with the Centre,” the official added.Sheikh, who was arrested for not possessing proper documents, has been booked for violating Article 14 of Pakistan’s Foreign Act.

Read | Indian national arrested in Pakistan for not carrying visa

Despite the doubts raised by ATS, India has sought consular access for Sheikh Nabi, the Indian national reportedly arrested in Pakistan last week.

Indian High Commission has written to Pakistan's Foreign Office in this regard. India also sought detail regarding his arrest.There is no official confirmation or communication from Govt of Pakistan regarding his arrest.

(With Inputs from PTI)