Key extremist leader from state remains elusive

Arjun RaghunathFirst Published : 30 Nov 2009 05:04:00 AM ISTLast Updated :

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even though the State has launched a massive drive against extremism, a person, who had played a key role in spreading the roots of extremism in the State, remains elusive for more than a decade.


C A M Basheer, a native of Aluva, was suspected to be the mastermind of the SIMI’s underground operations in the country. His role was suspected in the recent extremist activities, including the Wagamon training camp.

However, the State Intelligence seems to have dropped its efforts to trace Basheer, who is reported to have taken shelter in Saudi Arabia. “We don’t have any cases against Basheer,” was how a senior officer in the State Intelligence wing reacted when asked about Basheer.

The name of Basheer, who was an aeronautical engineer, came to the limelight following the Mumbai serial blast in 2003.

After completing his studies at the Union Christian College in Aluva and Aeronautical Engineering College at Chalakudy, he worked at the airline institute in Bangalore and later at the Mumbai International Airport.

Intelligence sources said that Basheer had joined the SIMI during 1980s and became a highly influential leader within a short span of time. He was suspected to have undergone training in handling arms and explosives from Pakistan-based extremist outfit Jamaat-e-Islami.

It was also suspected that underworld don Dawood Ibrahim had been routing funds for extremist activities in the country, including the Mumbai serial blast, through C A M Basheer.

“Had the intelligence agencies been able to nab Basheer at an early stage itself, the spread of extremism in the State could have been prevented to a certain extend,” said a former intelligence officer.