Kerala police 'verifying' reports that missing youth joined IS

Thiruvananthapuram, July 9 The Kerala Police has been "verifying" the mysterious disappearance from Kasaragod district of about a dozen youth who are feared to have joined the Islamic State terrorist group.

Asked about reports that some Muslims from Kerala have been missing and are feared to have joined the Islamic State, according to their own relatives, Police Chief Loknath Behra told IANS on Saturday: "First we have to verify things and it's being done." 

Behra gave no other details about the police enquiry, urging, "Do not ask questions at this stage". 

He also said: "I am unable to divulge any further details and you have to check with central agencies if they are doing anything on this." 

Some people in Kasaragod district received messages on their mobile phones, from unknown numbers and destinations, that their missing relatives have reached the place of "divine rule, the Islamic State".

Those who have reportedly gone missing hail from Thrikaripur and Padana areas in Kasaragod district and include couples, well educated youths and even kids.

The Kerala Police got into the act after CPI-M Lok Sabha member P. Karunakaran and Thrikaripur legislator M. Rajagopal took up the issue with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.