Riyaz Bhatkal, co-founder of terror outfit Indian Mujahideen (IM) and prime accused in the Dilsukhnagar twin explosions case, is reportedly in Karachi and is living a life of luxury under the patronage of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in Pakistan.
According to National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials, Riyaz made a lot of money with the assistance of the ISI, the Times of India reported.
"Several IM members received financial and material assistance from ISI, which has been providing shelter to Riyaz and his brother Iqbal Bhatkal in Karachi," the NIA said in its chargesheet filed in the Dilsukhnagar blast case.
The daily quoted an NIA source as saying that Riyaz's financial status with the assistance of the ISI led to the split in the terror outfit because members of the IM did not agree with his decision to side with the ISI and wanted to support al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.
It has become difficult for NIA officials to arrest him since he has a passport issued by Pakistan.
Riyaz, who wanted to avenge the alleged anti-Muslim activities in Hyderabad, had financed the blasts in Dilsukhnagar and sent Rs 1.25 lakh through Western Union money transfer and hawala channels, TOI reported. He sent another Rs 70,000 to his associates from the UAE following the blasts. He was constantly in contact with Yasin Bhatkal, who was convicted in the case on Monday, before carrying out the terror strike from Pakistan, the NIA source said.
Riyaz also arranged 50 detonators to prepare IED explosives that were used in the blasts and was always in touch with his associates through Yahoo Messenger, the NIA said.
Riyaz had also directed his associates to join Yasin in Hyderabad and carry out the blasts in Dilsukhnagar and other locations across the country.
