Bhubaneswar: The crime branch’s special task force (STF), which is digging the background of suspected terror operative Sheikh Imran (22), has identified two close associates of the Bhubaneswar native. Imran was arrested by Delhi police on Saturday for alleged links with a radical organisation.On Monday, separate STF teams carried out searches at the residences of the two associates here. Imran, who lives with his family in the Ganga Nagar area, is currently under investigation of Delhi police for his alleged subversive activities and connections.“Delhi Police is the primary investigating agency. Our role is limited to conducting a background check on Imran. As part of this verification, we are questioning his close friends,” an STF official said.According to Delhi police, Imran was active in a closed social media group where radical content was circulated. His name surfaced during the interrogation of several youths detained in Delhi last week.During questioning of his associates here, STF reportedly found suspected hate material on the social media account of one of them. “We have initiated the process to block the handle,” the officer said.Police investigators are now mapping Imran’s network through WhatsApp and other messaging platforms. His social media activity, financial transactions, and call records are being scrutinised in coordination with Delhi police.Preliminary findings suggest Imran may have undergone short-term training in cyber tradecraft linked to terrorism while in Delhi. Officials also suspect he was honey-trapped by a woman believed to be of Pakistani origin, before being coerced into joining the radical group.
