Oct 20 2014 : The Times of India (Mumbai)

Techie held for US school `terror' plot

Ahmed Ali

Mumbai:





A 24-year-old software engineer was arrested on Saturday for allegedly planning to target American organizations, including the American School at Bandra-Kurla Complex. The accused, Anis Ansari, who had allegedly opened fictitious accounts on a social networking site, had allegedly mentioned about ‘carrying out a blast on American organizations in Mumbai’ in chats with some Shakeel Ahmed, said officials of the Anti-Terrorism Squad of the Mumbai police. The officials said they had got wind of Ansari’s activities through their wing which keeps tabs on unlawful activities. An official said that Ansari had specificied ‘ American school’ in his chats. “We believe there is only one at Bandra-Kurla.” .
A Kurla resident, Ansari lives in the building where Indian Mujhaheedin founder members, Riyaz Bhatkal and his brother Iqbal, once lived, said the officials, adding that the banned organi sation, Students Islamic Movement of India, also has its roots in the same locality. The police have confiscated Ansari’s computers – personal and official – which allegedly had ‘objectionable’ pictures and videos. The computers have been sent to forensic experts to retrieve data.
However, another police officer rubbished the possibility of any terror angle to the case. This officer said Ansari appears to be a mere bragger who only flaunted ‘imaginary terror’ links.
The police have, however, booked Ansari for murder besides other sections under the Information technology act. A legal expert said Ansari has been booked on suspicion, and the murder charge could not be invoked.