Shillong, Nov 13: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids in South Garo Hills as part of a nationwide counter-terror operation linked to the Al Qaeda Gujarat terror conspiracy case.
The NIA officials visited areas including Baghmara, Maheshkhola, Rongra and Mahadev but no arrests were made.
“Several digital devices and incriminating documents were seized during the searches and are being sent for forensic analysis,” the NIA said.
Similar raids were also conducted in West Bengal, Tripura, Haryana and Gujarat.
“Investigation is ongoing to trace the wider network, connections and financial routes linked to the terror group’s activities in India and abroad,” an official said.
The Al Qaeda Gujarat terror case was filed by the NIA in June 2023 under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Indian Penal Code and the Foreigners Act.
The case involves four Bangladeshi nationals who entered India illegally and were involved in collecting and transferring funds to Al Qaeda operatives in Bangladesh and radicalising Muslim youth.
The Border Security Force (BSF) has intensified patrolling along the India-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya.
“We have stepped up vigilance across the India-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya. We have asked our commanders of the border units to maintain a strict vigil and initiate strong action to stop illegal movement along the international border,” a BSF source said.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma confirmed the NIA searches took place, stating the Meghalaya government is fully cooperating with central agencies. He declined to divulge further information due to the case’s sensitivity.
NIA investigations in the case so far have revealed that four Bangladeshi nationals, identified as Mohd. Sojibmiyan, Munna Khalid Ansari alias Munna Khan, Azarul Islam alias Jahangir alias Aakash Khan, and Abdul Latif alias Mominul Ansari, had illegally infiltrated into India from Bangladesh using forged Indian identity documents. They were found to be connected with the proscribed Al-Qaida terrorist organisation.
“The men were involved in collection and transfer of funds to Al Qaida operatives in Bangladesh, and were also found to be actively motivating Muslim youth,” officials said.
NIA had filed a chargesheet against five accused persons before the NIA Special Court, Ahmedabad on November 10.
Investigation in the case is continuing as part of NIA’s efforts to uncover the terror network’s presence, linkages, and financial channels operating within India and across the border.
