KASARGOD: The NIA has launched a detailed probe on the present activities and background of the militant outfits in Kerala in the wake of the Sri Lankan terror attack.

The secret investigation department of the state and NIA found that a 21-member squad from Malabar left to Sri Lanka and stayed there for months to study religious studies and then reached Afghan and Syria to join ISIS. They were from Kasargod, Kannur, Malappuram and Wayanad district. Religious studies were held in secret centres of terror outfits in Sri Lanka. After completing the studies, they left via Yemen. Sri Lanka was a safe haven for the Keralites attracted to ISIS. They will be sent to Afghan and Syria without visa registration and checking.

ISIS activities in Kerala are led by Abdul Raashid and his wife Sony Sebastian, a native of Ernakulam. They are constantly in touch with terrorist groups in Kerala. Messages are sent via whatsapp group including religious devotees and telegram.

Abdul Rashid Abdulla, native of Udumbunthala in Thrikkaripur and former employee of Ayitti Peace School, lured the 21 Keralites to join ISIS. Before leaving to Afghanistan they partook in the activities of National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ who carried the attack in Sri Lanka. Rashid was the head of the recruiting team. Religious studies were held in his house and in a secret centre in Padanna. Asfaq Majeed was his main aide. Information obtained is that the two are in Kabul now.