Mumbai: Missing youth's father refutes cops’ jihadi claim

"My son is not a jihadi. I have submitted all the details regarding his case to police. Their investigation will reveal the truth," said Dr Ejaz Majeed, father of Arif, 22, an engineer who went missing more than a month ago, after which a missing person’s case was registered at Kalyan’s Bazarpeth police station.

"My son is not a jihadi. I have submitted all the details regarding his case to police. Their investigation will reveal the truth," said Dr Ejaz Majeed, father of Arif, 22, an engineer who went missing more than a month ago, after which a missing person’s case was registered at Kalyan’s Bazarpeth police station.

Four youth from Kalyan are missing since the last week of May, and there are reports they have joined the jihad in Iraq.

Majeed said, “My son called from Baghdad on May 24, where he had gone on pilgrimage. He is searching for a job there. He apologised for leaving without informing us. The last call I received was on June 7, when he claimed he was safe and was coming back. My son is innocent and I request the Indian government to bring him back safely.”

The Bazarpeth police station has also registered missing complaints by the parents of Aman Tandel 27, an engineering student from Navi Mumbai, Fahad Maqbool Sheikh 24, also an engineering student, and Shaheen Tanki 25, who was working in a call centre.

Arif ’s family has received calls from the Intelligence Bureau, which is investigating the case. The Thane Anti-Terrorism Squad is also trying to trace the four, and is looking for the person who brainwashed the boys. He is suspected to be in the Thane district.