Indian Railway clerk funded ISIS claiming fake medical bills, NIA finds

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is actively investigating a Northern Railways clerk accused of channeling funds to the proscribed terror group ISIS. The clerk’s involvement surfaced during the interrogation of three ISIS operatives, including high-profile terrorist Mohammad Shahnawaz, apprehended by the Delhi Police Special Cell. As per reports from a news platform, the clerk, residing in Noida and working in the financial department of Northern Railways, allegedly submitted fraudulent medical claims to the Railways. These misappropriated funds were purportedly utilised to support ISIS activities. A fraud complaint has been filed against the clerk by the Railways at a Delhi police station. Due to the potential terrorism links, the NIA has taken control of the investigation and is actively searching for the clerk, who is currently evading authorities. This development adds complexity to the ongoing probe into the dismantled Pune ISIS module from October 2022, with Mohammad Shahnawaz being a part of this sleeper cell. In a related incident from October 2022, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested five individuals from Pune and Satara for allegedly planning terror attacks under the ISIS banner. The multi-faith group, possessing explosive materials, aimed to target crowded places in Pune, including police stations and religious sites.