Yasin Bhatkal to be handed over to NIA: Govt

The Indian Mujahideen mastermind is wanted by NIA in several cases of terror activities

Yasin Bhatkal, a dreaded terrorist and co-founder of terror-outfit Indian Mujahideen (IM), who was arrested from the Indo-Nepal border in north Bihar, will be handed over to National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Bhatkal, 30, was arrested after being on the run for over five years.

He will be handed over to NIA for probe, Home Ministry officials said on Thursday.

Bhatkal is wanted by NIA in several cases of terror activities and waging war against the country. NIA, which has registered cases under various sections of Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act against him, had also announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for his capture.

A non-bailable warrant was issued against Bhatkal, who hails from Bhatkal in Karnataka.

Bhatkal, who was on run since 2008, is wanted in cases of terror attacks in Ahmedabad, Surat, Bangalore, Pune, Delhi and Hyderabad.

Bhatkal, who co-founded IM in 2008 along with brother Riaz, is also wanted in the German Bakery bomb blast in Pune on February 13, 2010, that left 17 people dead.

The IM was designated a terrorist group by the government under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act in June, 2010.