In a decisive blow against terrorism, a special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Kolkata has sentenced Syed M Idris, a resident of Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka, to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment. The conviction stems from a chilling plot to recruit Muslim youth in West Bengal for the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a banned terror outfit, and radicalize them for jihad against the Indian government.
The court found Idris guilty under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Alongside the jail term, he has been slapped with a fine of Rs 70,000. This landmark ruling underscores India’s unwavering commitment to dismantling terror networks operating within its borders.
The case originated in April 2020 when the NIA took over from West Bengal Police. Investigations revealed Idris’s collusion with Altamash Ahmad Rather from Jammu and Kashmir and Tania Parveen. Their scheme involved using social media to brainwash vulnerable youth, drawing them into LeT’s fold to establish a dangerous module in the region.
Tania Parveen was nabbed earlier in March 2020 during a raid by the West Bengal STF in Baduria, North 24 Parganas, based on solid intelligence. The operation uncovered jihadist literature and incriminating materials that exposed the radicalization drive.
Further probes linked the network directly to LeT handlers in Pakistan. In September 2020 and May 2021, the NIA filed chargesheets against the three arrested accused and two fugitives based in Pakistan: Ayesha (aliases Ayesha Burhan, Ayesha Siddiqui, Syed Ayesha) and Bilal (alias Bilal Durani). Red and Blue Corner notices have been issued for their capture.
While trials against the other two arrested individuals continue, the NIA remains vigilant. ‘We are steadfast in monitoring recruitment, radicalization, and terror linkages,’ an agency spokesperson affirmed. This verdict serves as a stern warning to terror sympathizers lurking in the shadows.
