Kochi, September 10: What began as a police case over an allegedly offensive comment on a video linked to a Pahalgam terror attack victim has now opened a wider anti-terror investigation in Kerala. 

At the centre of the probe is 26-year-old Muhammed Sanoof, a native of Aikkarappadi in Malappuram, whose alleged links with an anti-national group came to light during the investigation by the Kerala Police.

The trail reportedly began last year, when Muttam police in Idukki registered a case against Sanoof over an alleged offensive comment posted under a video featuring the daughter of N Ramachandran, a Kochi native who was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack.

The investigation later took a more serious turn, with police invoking the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against him.

Sanoof was detained in July this year when he arrived at Karipur airport after returning from Saudi Arabia.

However, investigators were allegedly looking beyond the original social media comment.

During the Idukki police probe, officials examined Sanoof's mobile phone. What they allegedly found led the Kerala Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) to register a fresh case.

According to police sources, the phone examination allegedly revealed Sanoof's links with anti-national groups.

Investigators also allegedly found that he was part of a Signal messaging group suspected of conspiring to carry out anti-national activities in different parts of India.

The digital trail prompted the ATS to widen the investigation.

Last month, the ATS registered a case against Sanoof and other members of the group based on the evidence gathered during the probe.

Five others have been named as accused: Azhari Kuraishi, Faizan Mohammed, Shaheer, Shoeb Ammed and Ibn Ahamed. Police are now working to identify and trace the other accused, who are suspected to be from different parts of the country.

The case has been registered under Sections 148 and 149 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), dealing with conspiracy to wage war against the Government of India and preparations or collection of men, arms or ammunition for such an act.

The ATS has also invoked Sections 18 and 18B of the UAPA, relating to conspiracy or attempt to commit a terrorist act and recruitment of a person for a terrorist act.

Sanoof was recently arrested in connection with the second case and produced before the Ernakulam Additional District and Sessions Court on Wednesday.

After hearing the ATS custody application, Additional District and Sessions Judge Suresh Babu VPM remanded Sanoof to ATS custody till September 18.

The Kerala ATS has also informed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) about the case.

Investigators are now trying to establish the full scope of the alleged group and determine whether it had any involvement in terrorist activities in India.