The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a supplementary chargesheet 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, had 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 to the proscribed terrorist organisation, Al-Qaeda in Indian Sub-Continent (AQIS),” the NIA said in a statement.
They were engaged in strengthening the Al-Qaeda/ABT and grooming the youth to commit terror acts, as per NIA investigations in the case.
Both Akbar Ali and Abul Kalam Azad were arrested on April 5, 2023 and have now been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act by the NIA, which had filed the original chargesheet against eight other accused in August last year.
“Investigations have also revealed that the two accused were co-conspirators in organising meetings for expanding the activities of AQIS to various religious places in the neighbouring districts of Assam. The radicalization and mobilisation of Muslims was being done under the active guidance of the module’s Bangladeshi handlers, namely Zakir alias Mehdi Hassan, Mehboor Rahman alias Mehboob Alam.
The case was filed originally by the Assam Police on March 4, 2022 and taken over by the NIA on March 22, 2022 under relevant sections of 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 alias Haroon Rashid.
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 Imam at the Dhakaliapara Masjid.
The NIA said Saiful was actively engaged in indoctrination and radicalisation of Muslims to join Jihadi outfits to work in modules (‘Ansars’ - sleeper cells) for building a base for Al-Qaeda and its various manifestations/outfits in India.
A search is on for the Bangladeshi handlers of the module and other members involved in promotion and perpetration of terrorism for Al-Qaeda and ABT in the country, the agency added.