Correspondent
In a significant development, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken action against two active members of the Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), an organization linked to the proscribed terrorist group Al-Qaeda in the Indian Sub-Continent (AQIS). The duo, Mohammed Akbar Ali and Abul Kalam Azad, hailing from Assam, have been charged with orchestrating a conspiracy to propagate terror and violence within India.
According to the NIA, these individuals were deeply involved in operating the active module of ABT from Assam, contributing to its plans to incite terror acts. The agency has identified them as key figures in promoting and encouraging terrorist activities among the youth.
The investigation unveiled that Akbar Ali and Abul Kalam Azad collaborated with other accused individuals to expand the reach and influence of AQIS and ABT. The NIA's findings indicate their involvement in organizing meetings to extend AQIS activities to religious locations in nearby districts of Assam.
Notably, the NIA's report highlights the active guidance provided by Bangladeshi handlers, specifically mentioning Zakir alias Mehdi Hassan alias Aminul Islam and Mehboor Rahman alias Mehboob Alam alias Sultan.
The initial case was filed by Assam Police on March 4, 2022, and subsequently taken over by the NIA under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, UA(P) Act, Passports Act, and Foreigners Act. The investigation was initiated after the ABT module's activities were brought to light.
The module, operating from Assam's Barpeta district, was found to be led by a Bangladeshi national, Saiful Islam alias Haroon Rashid alias Mohammed Suman. Saiful skillfully operated undercover as an Arabic teacher at 'Shaikhul Hind Mahmadul Hasan Jamiul Huda Islamic Academy' (Dhakaliapara Madarsa) and served as an Imam at Dhakaliapara Masjid. His activities centered around indoctrination and radicalization of Muslims, with the aim of recruiting them into Jihadi outfits for Al-Qaeda's cause in India.
The NIA is actively pursuing the Bangladeshi handlers of the module and other members connected to the propagation and execution of terrorism on behalf of Al-Qaeda and ABT in the country. This recent development underscores the ongoing efforts to counter and prevent terrorist activities that threaten India's security and stability.