SIMI links under scanner

KOCHI: Mumbai serial blasts on Wednesday have once again triggered the police surveillance on extremist links in Kerala. The police have been on high alert after it was reported that Indian Mujahideen (IM) could be behind the attacks.
The Intelligence agencies in the state have been keeping a close watch on the suspected SIMI links at certain pockets in Ernakulam like Aluva and Perumbavoor. The police have been watching the whereabouts of those suspected to be associated with SIMI activities in the state. "We have not received any specific communication in this regard from the MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs) or the Mumbai Police after the blasts. However, as part of our own initiative we have been keeping a close watch on certain people, who were earlier associated with these activities," said sources with the Intelligence wing of the state police. Similarly, sources said, the phone call details of certain friends and relatives of some SIMI activists earlier taken into custody have also been checked. "We used to check the movements of some suspected individuals, their call details including the recent call history. It has been done as part of a regular vigil," said officials with the state police special branch.