Indian investigative agencies find new trait among youths who want to join Isis

Indian investigative agencies probing terror cases have found a new characteristic among youths inclined toward the Islamic State (Isis). Surprisingly, the alleged youths have started using current bank accounts instead of savings account. The trend is very unusual given that current accounts are generally meant for businesses and trading and they don't give any interest.

According to a Times of India report, the agencies found the new trait while investigating the case of missing youths and other Isis sympathizers.

"The police have come across at least three such savings accounts which the holder stopped using to begin financial transactions through current accounts," a police source said and added that this new trait might give lead in future probe.

The findings assume significance as Islamic law bars acceptance of interest. Many Muslims even refuse to take loans from banks as it is considered by sections to be un-Islamic.

Police sources said that since they had come across this new piece of information, they might look at bank accounts of other potential suspects. "In case of Arshi Qureshi, arrested by Kerala police in an Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) case two weeks ago, he had also changed his family's two accounts from savings to current. We are trying to find out if there are such more cases," an officer said.

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra anti-terrorism squad has also started looking for ways to scan WhatsApp messages of certain groups to find proof of inclination towards the terrorist organisation. "While scanning blogs, Facebook pages, etc, is easier, penetration of WhatsApp groups is not so easy," a police source stated.

Meanwhile, on Saturday (13 August) Mumbai police arrested Mohammed Haneef from Kerala in connection with the radicalisation of youngsters to join Isis. It was found that he had created a WhatsApp group Mujahid — the singular form of Mujahideen, the term for one engaged in Jihad. The investigative team is examining his phone, messages and electronic devices to find out his role in the radicalisation process.