The police and the special squad investigating a case relating to the mysterious disappearance of 21 persons who are suspected to have joined the Islamic State (IS) terror group have stepped up vigil in the light of an IS loyalist managing to add a local youth in their social media group.
The WhatsApp message in Malayalam, recently sent to Haris Masthan, a resident of Anangoor here, purportedly by one Rashid Abdulla presumably from Afganistan, said the youth had been added in their group ‘Message to Kerala’ without seeking his consent.
When Mr. Masthan questioned the motive of the IS loyalist, he was greeted with a voice message identified as that of Rashid Abdulla from Thrikaripur in the district, who was reported by a section of media to have been killed in the continuing US-led attack on the terror group.
Mr. Masthan swiftly informed Circle Inspector C.A. Abdul Rahim of the disturbing development.
Special team
Mr. Rahim, when contacted by The Hindu , confirmed to have received a copy of the message, which has been passed over to the special squad probing the case. However, Mr. Rahim was not ready to reveal the identity of the investigating team.
The official added that he did not initiate any probe into the purported message at the local level as the entire investigation was being handled by the special team.
It is believed that the message originated from Afghanistan at the behest of the group administrator identified as Abu Isa.
