In a significant counter-terrorism move, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches at ten locations spread across five Indian states on Wednesday. The operation is part of an ongoing investigation into an Al-Qaeda terror conspiracy that involves illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. The states where these coordinated raids took place are West Bengal, Tripura, Meghalaya, Haryana, and Gujarat, targeting premises linked to individuals suspected of involvement.
During the intensive searches, NIA teams successfully recovered numerous digital devices and vital documents that are considered crucial evidence in the case. These confiscated materials are currently being subjected to thorough forensic analysis. The agency aims to extract all pertinent information regarding the suspected terror network’s modus operandi, communication channels, and financial transactions. This step is vital for bolstering the ongoing investigation and identifying all potential collaborators.
The NIA had previously registered this case (RC-19/2023/NIA/DLI) in June 2023. The charges invoked cover serious offenses under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UA(P) Act), the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and the Foreigners Act. The investigation has identified four Bangladeshi nationals—Mohd. Sojibmiyan, Munna Khalid Ansari alias Munna Khan, Azarul Islam alias Jahangir alias Aakash Khan, and Abdul Latif alias Mominul Ansari—as central figures. They are alleged to have illegally entered India using forged Indian identification documents, raising concerns about border security and identity fraud.
Official confirmation from the NIA states that these individuals have established connections with the banned terrorist organization Al-Qaeda. Their alleged roles are multifaceted, encompassing the provision of financial resources to Al-Qaeda operatives in Bangladesh and the active radicalization of young minds. The agency highlighted that these operatives were instrumental in funneling funds to Al-Qaeda and were also engaged in motivating Muslim youth to embrace extremist ideologies, posing a significant threat to national security.
This series of raids follows the NIA’s earlier action of filing a chargesheet against five accused parties in November 2023 at the NIA Special Court in Ahmedabad. The investigation continues with a strong emphasis on uncovering the complete scope of the terror network, including its international affiliations and financial conduits. The NIA is committed to dismantling this threat by thoroughly investigating its cross-border dimensions and operational mechanisms.
