'IM media cell learnt hacking; brought equipment from US'

The 1,800-page chargesheet filed in the court against 21 people on Tuesday said Mansoor Peerbhoy, who was employed with a IT company, undertook special training in hacking from an expert in Hyderabad in May 2007.

In September 2007, while on an official visit to the US, Peerbhoy had purchased equipment such as a spy camera and a radio frequency signal detector to facilitate terrorist activities of the Indian Mujahideen, the chargesheet said.

To avoid getting caught, Riyaz Bhatkal, founder of the IM and a wanted accused, formed a "media cell" with members proficient in computer skills.

"The media cell was led by software engineer Peerbhoy who was assisted by Mubin Shaikh and Asif Shaikh both proficient in the use of computers," the chargesheet said, adding they avoided using cyber cafes for their operations after the Ahmedabad blasts.

Bhatkal in May last directed Peerbhoy to send e-mails by Wi-Fi instead of using cyber cafes. In June 2008, he zeroed in on locations of assured internet connectivity in Colaba, Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Dadar, Matunga, Sion in central Mumbai and suburban Chembur and Sanpada in Navi Mumbai.