Investigators found material related to explosives and the banned terror outfit ISIS on the mobile phone of Mohammed Ghouse, who was arrested in Bhadravathi in August, police said. The case has now been transferred to the National Investigation Agency, or NIA.

Ghouse, 21, was arrested in August following intelligence inputs about his online contact with Harris Ali, a 19-year-old dental student who was arrested in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, in March, investigators said. Investigators reportedly found ISIS-related posters, voice recordings of an international handler associated with the outfit and videos explaining how to make improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, on Ghouse's phone.

He had also allegedly purchased and stored some raw materials that could be used to make explosives. Photographs of several well-known places in Shivamogga district were also found on his phone, sources said.

Ghouse lived within the limits of the Bhadravathi Old Town police station. He worked at an electrical showroom near his house and also repaired speakers and other electronic items, sources said.

Contact through a Signal group

Harris Ali, a native of Uttar Pradesh, was pursuing his second year of dental studies when he created a group called 'Al Ittihad Media Foundation' on the Signal messaging app, investigators said. He was in regular contact with people connected to ISIS members in India and abroad through the group.

Discussions in the group reportedly included Sharia laws and the protection of religion. Ghouse was also a member of the group, which he accessed through a Virtual Private Network, or VPN.

Influenced by provocative speeches and videos shared by Ali in the group, Ghouse began communicating directly with him about ISIS, sources said.

Videos on making explosives

After learning that Ghouse had started working for him, Ali allegedly sent him videos and screenshots explaining how to make improvised explosive devices. He also instructed Ghouse to purchase the raw materials required to make them.

Following these instructions, Ghouse allegedly bought and stored materials needed for making explosives in Shivamogga and Bhadravathi. He sent photographs of the materials to Ali and sought his advice.

Ali reportedly responded with the instruction, "Udana hai", which means "to blow up". The two had been in contact for around one-and-a-half years, and their connection came to light in March when officials of the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad arrested Ali.

Case handed to the NIA

Following information from Central Intelligence agencies, the Bhadravathi Old Town police had registered a case against Ghouse under Section 113 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Investigators reportedly uncovered an international network during the probe, and following a request from the NIA, the case has now been transferred to the agency, with a request to register it under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

NIA officials are expected to register a case and begin an investigation soon. They are also likely to take Ghouse, who is currently in judicial custody, into their custody for questioning.

Links with Pakistan-based handlers

Harris Ali, the 19-year-old dental student, was allegedly in contact with Pakistan-based handlers linked to ISIS. He was reportedly in regular communication with two Pakistani phone numbers.

Ali had also discussed these contacts with Ghouse. He allegedly assured Ghouse that if he followed his instructions, he would arrange direct online communication with the handlers in the future, sources said.