Shell-shocked family claims Najmul Huda is innocent, expects his release

Mangaluru, Jan 22: The parents of Najmul Huda, who was arrested in the wee hours of Friday from his residence at Permude on the outskirts of the city on suspicion of ISIS links, have expressed shock and anguish over the unexpected development.

Mahira Khathoon, mother of Najmul Huda

“My son is innocent. I am deeply saddened by the allegations being made against him,” Saiful Huda, father of Najmul Huda told media persons in the city.

Replying to the questions of media persons near the office of Mangaluru City Commissioner, when his arrested son was brought there by the sleuths of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) before taking him to an undisclosed location, Saiful Huda, who is a cleric by profession, said that he always trusted his son.

“He is my son. He knows the fact that there is no place for terrorism and violence in Islam. How can he be an ISIS sympathiser? He was arrested only on the basis of suspicion,” he said, expressing hope that his son would be released soon.

Ummu Kulsoom, the sister of the arrested youth told Coastaldigest.com that authorities might have grown suspicious as Najmul Huda was sharing controversial videos on social media without watching them completely.

“I had asked him many a times not to share videos on social media without watching. He was not aware of the consequences,” she said adding that her brother is innocent.

Najmul Huda’s mother Mahira Khathoon is in a condition of shock after the former’s arrest. “They have arrested my son without any reason. My son is innocent. He never involved in any kind of unlawful activity,” she said.

“My son was staying in Bengaluru for the purpose of education and not for any other reason. His character is good and he has no bad habits or bad friends,” she added.

25-year-old Najmul Huda is one of the 13 men arrested by NIA from across India in last 24 hours for alleged terror links.

After completing his diploma course in Karnataka Polytechnic, Mangaluru, Najmul Huda had joined RV College of Engineering, Bangaluru to pursue BE. He had discontinued some time ago due to attendance shortage but was planning to continue studies.

He was also working at a mobile store in Bengaluru for his livelihood. While arresting him, the NIA sleuths have reportedly seized a laptop and five mobile phones from his house.

Also Read: Muslim engineering student held on suspicion of ISIS links