Deepanwita Martin
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted extensive raids on Monday at nine locations across India as part of an investigation into terror funding activities linked to Bangladeshi nationals connected to the terror group Al-Qaeda. The raids were carried out simultaneously in the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, West Bengal, Bihar, Tripura, and Assam.
Crackdown on Al-Qaeda Sympathizers
The operation targeted individuals suspected of supporting and financing Al-Qaeda’s activities. The raids uncovered incriminating evidence, including documents showing detailed banking transactions, mobile phones, and other digital devices, which authorities believe were used to fund terror-related operations.
Ongoing Investigations into 2023 Conspiracy Case
The searches are part of the NIA’s ongoing probe into a 2023 case where Bangladeshi Al-Qaeda operatives allegedly collaborated with Indian sympathizers to propagate the terror group’s ideology and radicalize young people in India. This case previously led to a chargesheet in November 2023, which named five accused individuals—four of whom were Bangladeshi nationals.
Forged Documents and Covert Operations
Investigations reveal that the accused used forged documents to conduct covert operations, targeting vulnerable Muslim youth to spread Al-Qaeda’s ideology, collect funds, and transfer them to support terror activities.
This latest NIA action is part of a larger effort to dismantle terror networks operating within India and prevent the spread of radicalization across the country.