The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has conducted extensive searches at ten locations spanning five Indian states as part of a major crackdown on an Al-Qaeda terror conspiracy. The operation, focusing on illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, unfolded on Wednesday across West Bengal, Tripura, Meghalaya, Haryana, and Gujarat. These coordinated raids targeted the premises of several suspects and their known associates, aiming to dismantle a suspected Al-Qaeda module operating within India.
During the searches, NIA agents successfully seized a significant cache of digital devices and crucial incriminating documents. These seized materials are now undergoing rigorous forensic examination to unearth further details about the terror network’s operations, funding mechanisms, and recruitment strategies. This action is a critical step in understanding the extent of Al-Qaeda’s influence and activities on Indian soil.
The case, registered as RC-19/2023/NIA/DLI, was initially initiated by the NIA in June 2023. The charges are filed under various stringent sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UA(P) Act), the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and the Foreigners Act, highlighting the serious nature of the alleged offenses. Investigations have already pinpointed four Bangladeshi nationals—Mohd. Sojibmiyan, Munna Khalid Ansari alias Munna Khan, Azarul Islam alias Jahangir alias Aakash Khan, and Abdul Latif alias Mominul Ansari—who are accused of illegally entering India. It is alleged they used forged Indian identity documents to facilitate their entry and subsequent activities.
The NIA has confirmed that these individuals are directly linked to the designated terrorist organization Al-Qaeda. Their alleged involvement extends to providing financial support to Al-Qaeda operatives in Bangladesh and actively engaging in the radicalization of young individuals. The agency reported that these operatives were responsible for collecting and transferring funds to Al-Qaeda in Bangladesh, while simultaneously working to motivate and recruit Muslim youth for terrorist activities. This highlights a dangerous dual operation of funding and ideological propagation.
This ongoing investigation builds upon previous actions, including the filing of a chargesheet against five accused individuals before the NIA Special Court in Ahmedabad on November 10, 2023. The NIA’s persistent efforts are focused on exposing the cross-border linkages and intricate financial operations of this terror network. The agency remains committed to a thorough investigation to reveal the full extent of the network’s presence, its connections, and its financial channels both within India and across its borders.
