Nagpur: The Dhantoli police have made a shocking revelation that the arrested Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist Afsar Pasha alias Bashiruddin Noor Mohammad (45), who had colluded with Jayesh Pujari alias Kantha for threatening Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, had been receiving financial support from the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) in the jail.
Media reports claimed that Pasha, known to have established an extensive network within the jail, utilised the funds to promote anti-national activities and religious conversions. Preliminary investigations suggest that Pasha played a significant role in radicalising inmates and encouraging them to engage in activities against the country. One of such jail inmates influenced by him was Jayesh Kantha, who made the threatening call to Nitin Gadkari’s office under Pasha’s guidance.
Reports further revealed that the PFI transferred a substantial amount of Rs 5 lakh to Pasha’s account several months ago. The funds originated from the account of a person identified as Abdul Jalil, highlighting potential links between PFI and terrorist activities. After the initial police custody ended, Pasha was brought before the Special NIA court. The police sought an extension of Police Custody for five days for further investigation, presenting evidence of Pasha’s communication within the jail.
The police discovered that Pasha and his gang used various Android phones, which were easily accessible to multiple prisoners. During the investigation, it came to light that Pasha was utilising the mobile phone of an inmate named Ayyappa Naidu, while another inmate named Azim Ali provided technical assistance. Azim Ali is believed to be the mastermind behind several terrorist activities, including attacks in Bangladesh and Bangalore. His association with Pasha raised concerns about cross-border links in the case.
Moreover, the police suspect that Pasha had established connections with some persons in Arab countries, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, using Android phones and applications to communicate with them, claimed the reports. While the police sought a five-day extension of Pasha’s custody, his lawyer strongly opposed the move. After due consideration and cross-examination of both parties, the court ordered Afsar Pasha to remain in police custody until July 27 to allow for a thorough investigation into the terror network operating from within the jail.
Pasha was brought to Nagpur from Belgavi (Karnataka) jail by the Dhantoli police in connection with threatening phone calls to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. According to police, Jayesh Pujari alias Kantha had made the threat calls to Gadkari’s office after colluding and planning with Pasha. It may be mentioned here that Pujari had made a threat call to Gadkari’s public relations office on January 14, demanding Rs 100 crore and claiming to be a member of the Dawood Ibrahim gang. At that time, he was lodged in Belgavi jail. He made another call on March 21, threatening to harm Gadkari if Rs 10 crore were not paid to him.
Pujari was arrested and brought to Nagpur on March 28 this year from a jail in Belgavi, and two cases were registered under provision of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act at Dhantoli police station.
