NIA files chargesheet in special court against IM operative Siddibapa

NIA on Tuesday filed a supplementary chargesheet in a special court against Indian Mujahideen's alleged key operative Abdul Wahid Siddibapa, who was arrested from IGI Airport here on his arrival from Dubai in a case of alleged conspiracy to carry out terror acts in the country.

On Monday, the charge sheet was filed before Special Judge Rakesh Pandit who posted it for consideration. 32-year-old Siddibapa, a resident of Bhatkal in Karnataka and a cousin of Indian Mujahideen co-founder Yasin Bhatkal, was held at the IGI Airportin New Delhi on May 20 after he landed from Dubai.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had earlier filed two charge sheets in the case against several other accused including Yasin Bhatkal.

According to NIA's FIR lodged in September 2012, members of IM, in association with other IM sleeper cells based in the country and outside, were conspiring to commit terror acts by making preparations for targeting various important places in India especially in Delhi by causing bomb blasts with the active aid and support from their Pakistan-based operatives and associates, thus waging war against India.

NIA had alleged that Siddibapa played an active role as the main conduit in the chain of fund supply from Pakistan via Dubai to other IM operatives in India to commit terror acts.

The court had on November 6, 2013, issued a non-bailable warrant against Siddibapa, which was extended time to time, following which a Red Corner Notice was issued against him on December 3, 2013.

NIA had earlier filed charge sheet against Bhatkal and his associate Asadullah Akhtar under various sections of the IPC, including 120B (criminal conspiracy), 121 (waging war against the country), 121A (conspiracy to wage war) and under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.