Jihadi module in Assam: NIA files supplementary charge sheet

 STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a supplementary charge sheet against two active members of an Al-Qaeda-linked terrorist group’s active module operating from Assam in conspiracy to spread terror and violence in India.

The two accused, Md. Akbar Ali alias Akbar Ali and Abul Kalam Azad, conspired with the other accused to instigate and promote terrorist activities as part of an active terror module of the Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), which is affiliated with the proscribed terrorist organization, Al-Qaeda in the Indian Sub-Continent (AQIS).

They were engaged in strengthening Al-Qaeda/ABT and grooming the youth to commit terror acts, as per NIA investigations in the case (RC-02/2022/NIA/Guw).

Both Akbar Ali and Abul Kalam Azad were arrested on April 5, 2023, and have now been charged under various sections of the IPC and UA(P) Act by the NIA, which had filed the original charge sheet against eight other accused in August last year.

Investigations have also revealed that the two accused were co-conspirators in organizing meetings to expand the activities of AQIS to various religious places in the neighbouring districts of Assam. The radicalization and mobilization of Muslims were being done under the active guidance of the module’s Bangladeshi handlers, namely Zakir, Mehdi Hassan, Aminul Islam, Mehboor Rahman, Mehboob Alam, and Sultan.

The case was originally filed by the Assam Police on March 4, 2022, and taken over by the NIA on March 22, 2022, under relevant sections of the IPC, UA (P) Act, Passports Act, and Foreigners Act after the activities of the ABT module came to light. The module, operating in Barpeta District of Assam, was led by a Bangladeshi national, Saiful Islam, Haroon Rashid, and Md. Suman.

Investigations revealed that Saiful was cleverly operating under the cover of an Arabic teacher at ‘Shaikhul Hind Mahmadul Hasan Jamiul Huda Islamic Academy’ (Dhakaliapara Madarsa) and an imam at the Dhakaliapara Masjid. He was actively engaged in the indoctrination and radicalization of Muslims to join Jihadi outfits to work in modules (Ansars—sleeper cells) for building a base for Al-Qaeda and its various manifestations and outfits in India.

A search is on for the Bangladeshi handlers of the module and other members involved in the promotion and perpetration of terrorism for Al-Qaeda and ABT in the country.

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