On 15th May, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) apprehended a proclaimed offender who had fled after skipping bail in the Hyderabad espionage case, which implicated individuals from Sri Lanka and Pakistan. 

Nuruddin, also known as Rafi, who was carrying a cash reward of Rs. 5 lakh, was apprehended today by an NIA team in Rajiv Nagar, Mysuru, Karnataka. Subsequent to his arrest, a search of his residence was conducted, resulting in the recovery of various incriminating materials such as mobile phones, a laptop, pen drives, and a drone. 

Nuruddin had a non-bailable warrant issued against him previously when he didn't appear before the NIA Special Court in Chennai, despite being released on bail under strict conditions in August 2023. The court declared him a proclaimed offender (PO) on May 7, 2024. 

The case (RC-02/2014/NIA/HYD) pertains to a terrorist plot involving Sri Lankan national Muhammed Sakir Hussain and Pakistani national Amir Zubair Siddique, who was employed at the Pakistan High Commission in Colombo, Sri Lanka. They conspired to carry out explosions at the US Consulate in Chennai and the Israeli Embassy in Bengaluru in 2014. 

NIA investigations uncovered Nuruddin's involvement in financing anti-national espionage activities through the use of High-Quality Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN), acting upon the instructions of the accused Pakistani national. With Nuruddin's apprehension, the trial that had been halted due to his absconding will now recommence.  

This development allows for further examination of Nuruddin's role in facilitating the illicit financial aspects of the espionage conspiracy, shedding light on the intricate network supporting such activities. 

Image Source: ANI News