In a major crackdown against terror-related activities, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday conducted simultaneous raids at multiple locations across India. The raids are part of an investigation into a conspiracy involving Bangladeshi nationals associated with Al-Qaeda, aimed at destabilizing India.
Raids Across Six States in Anti-Terror Operation
Early on Monday, NIA teams carried out searches at nine locations across Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, West Bengal, Bihar, Tripura, and Assam. The premises searched are reportedly linked to individuals suspected of supporting and funding Al-Qaeda’s activities in India. The agency’s search operations yielded crucial evidence, including banking transaction documents, digital devices such as mobile phones, and other materials related to terror funding activities.
According to NIA sources, “The suspects whose premises were raided are sympathizers of a Bangladesh-based Al-Qaeda network.” The searches were part of an ongoing investigation into a case registered in 2023, which focuses on a conspiracy led by Bangladesh-based Al-Qaeda operatives in collaboration with individuals already under arrest.
Conspiracy to Radicalize Youth in India
The NIA revealed that the suspects were involved in promoting Al-Qaeda’s violent ideology and radicalizing vulnerable Muslim youth in India. They were also engaged in raising funds and transferring them to Al-Qaeda to facilitate its activities. The agency noted that the arrested individuals had used forged documents to carry out their operations covertly.
In November of the previous year, the NIA filed charges against five individuals in connection with this case. Four of the accused are Bangladeshi nationals: Mohd. Sojibmiyan, Munna Khalid Ansari (alias Munna Khan), Azarul Islam (alias Jahangir or Aakash Khan), and Abdul Latif (alias Mominul Ansari). The fifth accused, Farid, is an Indian national.
The agency’s findings show that these accused were involved in spreading Al-Qaeda’s ideology and recruiting Indian youth. “They were actively engaged in radicalizing, motivating, and recruiting vulnerable youths, while also collecting and transferring funds to support Al-Qaeda’s objectives,” stated the NIA.
The NIA’s latest actions underline its focus on dismantling terror networks within India and countering the influence of external extremist organizations. The ongoing investigation aims to prevent further radicalization efforts and secure national security by disrupting potential terrorist activities.