Absconding SIMI terrorist arrested after 22 years

With a new identity, he was serving as a teacher

New Delhi – Hanif Sheikh, an absconding terrorist of ‘Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), a banned terrorist organisation, has been arrested after 22 years. He was arrested by the Delhi Police on 22nd February from Bhusawal in Jalgaon District in Maharashtra. Hanif used to indoctrinate Muslim youth and train them to become terrorists. He was also the editor of SIMI’s monthly publication. He has absconded since 2002. He was living in Bhusawal under a different identity and worked as a teacher in an Urdu school.

1. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Alok Kumar said that Hanif was the most notorious and wanted SIMI terrorist who had played pivotal roles in various terror activities of SIMI across the country. Police said the SIMI magazine that Hanif Sheikh edited had his name printed as Haneef Hudai. This was the only lead available to the Police, making it difficult to trace him.

2. The DCP added that Hanif was one of the think tank members of Wahadat-e-Islam and played an important role in Maharashtra and adjoining States. He was also involved in collecting money under the guise of donations to support and finance the agenda of SIMI as well as Wahadat-e-Islam.