KOCHI: Riyaz Aboobacker, arrested in a probe conducted following the terror attack in Sri Lanka, had worked in a paint shop in Kodungalloor, revealed the owner of it. He had worked in the shop for six days from July 16, 2018 to the 21st. The owner said he was sacked for his suspicious behaviour. He was very active in the social media. After sacking him from the shop, he was seen in Kodungalloor selling athar (perfume), the owner said.

Meantime, the court had yesterday sent Riyaz to NIA custody. When the nature of the books seized from his house and facts on his custody application are considered, he has to be questioned more. He was sent to NIA custody till May 10.

The court directed not to harass him physically and mentally. He should be given chance to meet his lawyer. He was arraigned in the case of three youths leaving Kasargod to join ISIS. It was found that he had continuously contacted those in Syria and Afghanistan. The NIA took over the ISIS recruitment case registered in Chandera police station in Kasargod on August 24 in 2016.

Riyas was highly motivated by ISIS propaganda videos and literature. He was in constant touch with Rashid Abdullah of Kasargod who left for Afghanistan. Rashid directed him to stay in Kerala and carry out local operations, including recruitment, the NIA said. He admitted to following Sri Lankan bomber Zahran Hashim and Zakir Naik.