Allegations of IS link, getting arrested are baseless: Consultant from Bengaluru clarifies why he was picked up by NIA

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: A consultant from the city on Monday clarified that the allegations against him regarding his connections with terror outfit IS and subsequent arrest by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) were baseless and false.

Reports of Aliabbas Petiwala being picked up by the NIA sleuths from his residence in Bengaluru, surfaced in December.

"These statements in the media are completely false and baseless, as we have clarified in our affidavits and even the NIA has already filed a charge sheet and I am not even accused in the case nor was I ever arrested,” he explained.

Aliabbas maintained that he was called as witness and is providing cooperation in the legal proceedings in the case.

“We had no idea about the case until I was called to witness and shown some interaction messages with the accused dated to 2014 which were the basis of the search. I am committed to abiding by all laws and regulations,” Aliabbas stated.

Aliabbas while speaking to the reporters claimed that the NIA during the meetings called him as an "asset to the nation" and also praised his work in the society.

"I have written against all forms of extremism, opposed all extremism and believe in peaceful coexistence and help in nation building. I have been actively involved in local governance bodies to help improve governance,” he said.

Aliabbas said that publication of false and defamatory statements against him has caused significant harm to the reputation of the family as well as their professional and personal lives.

On December 9, 2023, the NIA conducted a search operation and raided more than 12 locations in Bengaluru. NIA had raided these locations after tracking terror trails.