India's NIA Arrests Fugitive Involved in Human Trafficking Case
The Accused 'Absconded' Sri Lankans to Tamul Nadu
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October 26, 2023
India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended a 39-year-old man who had been wanted in a human trafficking case involving Sri Lankan nationals, the Indian Express reported earlier this week. The arrest comes after a search lasting over two years, according to an official statement.
The man, identified as Mohamed Imran Khan, also known as "Haja Najerbheeden," is believed to be a key figure in the case. He had been evading authorities since June 2021. The NIA's Absconder Tracking Team (ATT) from the Bengaluru office closely monitored Khan's movements for several months before finally apprehending him in the Theni district of Tamil Nadu on Sunday.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that Khan, a resident of Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu, has a notorious history of illegal activities in the region and is considered a notorious smuggler.
"He was a fugitive wanted by multiple law-enforcement agencies for his involvement in various illicit operations," said the NIA spokesperson.
The case originated when the Mangalore South Police received credible intelligence regarding a group of Sri Lankan nationals residing in Mangalore, Karnataka, without valid documents. Acting on the information, the police conducted an operation and arrested 38 Sri Lankan nationals on June 6, 2021.
Further investigations revealed that these individuals were brought from Sri Lanka to Mangalore through Tamil Nadu and Bengaluru. Recognizing the international dimensions of the case, the NIA stepped in and re-registered the case.
According to officials, Khan, in collaboration with a Sri Lankan national named Eesan, who was formerly associated with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), devised a plan to transport the 38 Sri Lankan nationals illegally to various locations in Tamil Nadu.
"They lured these individuals with promises of better opportunities," said the spokesperson, as they were quoted by media.
The NIA's intervention highlights the seriousness of the case and the agency's commitment to combating human trafficking and illegal activities with international links.
The arrested individual will face charges related to human trafficking, illegal transportation of individuals, and other relevant offenses. The NIA will continue its investigations to uncover the full extent of the network involved in this case and bring all the perpetrators to justice.
The arrest of Mohamed Imran Khan marks a significant breakthrough in the fight against human trafficking, sending a strong message that such crimes will not go unpunished. The NIA's efforts to monitor and apprehend fugitives demonstrate the agency's dedication to ensuring the safety and security of the nation.