New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday conducted simultaneous searches across five states in connection with an Al-Qaeda terror conspiracy case plotted in Gujarat. This operation was part of an effort to dismantle a terror network involving illegal Bangladeshi immigrants who had infiltrated the country.

Where Were the Searches Conducted?

NIA teams conducted searches at 10 locations across the states of West Bengal, Tripura, Meghalaya, Haryana, and Gujarat. The searches were conducted at premises linked to various suspects and their associates.

During the searches, several digital devices and incriminating documents were seized. These items have been sent for forensic analysis.

Case Background and Accused

The case (RC-19/2023/NIA/DLI - Al-Qaeda Gujarat case) was originally registered by the NIA in June 2023 under various sections of the UA(P) Act, IPC, and the Foreigners Act. So far, NIA investigations have revealed that four Bangladeshi nationals illegally infiltrated into India using forged Indian identity documents:

Mohd. Sojibmiyan, Munna Khalid Ansari @ Munna Khan, Azarul Islam @ Jahangir @ Aakash Khan, Abdul Latif @ Mominul Ansari. It has been confirmed during the investigation that these four individuals have connections with the proscribed Al-Qaeda terrorist organization.

Finance and Recruitment Network

These illegal immigrants were involved in the collection and transfer of funds to Al-Qaeda operatives based in Bangladesh. Additionally, the NIA stated that they were actively attempting to radicalize and motivate Muslim youth within the country towards extremist organizations.

A chargesheet against five accused persons was filed before the NIA Special Court, Ahmedabad, on November 10, 2023, in this case. Investigation is continuing as part of NIA's efforts to uncover the presence, linkages, and financial channels of this terror network operating within India and across the border.