Indian security agencies are intensifying efforts to trace an enigmatic figure known only by the codename “Colonel,” believed to be the elusive online handler behind last month’s bombing at a café in Bengaluru. This pursuit comes a week after the apprehension of two suspects linked to the attack, shedding light on the intricate web of terror networks operating in the region.
Suspicions surround “Colonel’s” alleged coordination with Abdul Matheen Taha, purportedly the mastermind, and Mussavir Hussain Shazib, the suspected perpetrator of the café bombing, since their involvement with the IS Al-Hind module in 2019-20. It is believed that “Colonel” played a pivotal role in indoctrinating numerous young men in southern India, urging them to carry out attacks on religious sites, Hindu leaders, and prominent landmarks, while also facilitating financial transactions through crypto-wallets.
Speculation abounds regarding “Colonel’s” whereabouts, with authorities tracing his operations to the Middle East, particularly Abu Dhabi. However, precise details remain elusive, shrouded in secrecy and speculation.
“We first became aware of the handler known as Colonel following the Mangaluru autorickshaw blast in November 2022. His base of operations is believed to be in the Middle East, with Abu Dhabi emerging as a likely location,” revealed a senior counterterrorism official, speaking anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the investigation.
Moreover, Indian security agencies are not discounting the possibility of “Colonel’s” ties to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), a notorious spy agency notorious for sponsoring terror activities within India’s borders. Previous instances have highlighted the ISI’s role in orchestrating terror cells under the guise of IS operatives, underscoring the complex interplay between regional actors in fomenting instability.
The hunt for “Colonel” underscores the multifaceted challenges facing Indian security forces as they grapple with the evolving threat landscape. In an era of digital connectivity and transnational extremism, the task of identifying and neutralizing such shadowy figures requires a concerted and coordinated effort across borders and intelligence agencies.
As the investigation progresses, authorities remain vigilant, cognizant of the broader implications of unearthing “Colonel’s” network. The pursuit of justice for victims of terror attacks, coupled with the imperative to dismantle terror networks at their source, underscores the gravity of the task at hand.
In the face of adversity, Indian security agencies persevere, driven by a steadfast commitment to safeguarding national security and upholding the rule of law. Yet, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, as the elusive “Colonel” remains at large, a symbol of the enduring threat posed by extremism in the digital age.
