India files chargesheet against 11 from ‘Bangladesh-based militant group’

The charges follow a multi-state crackdown on suspected JMB offshoot Imam Mahmuder Kafila

India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against 11 suspected operatives of the Bangladesh-based militant group Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) for allegedly conspiring to spread “extremist ideology” across northeastern India.

The 11 suspects were arrested from Assam, Tripura, and West Bengal by Assam Police's Special Task Force (STF) in December last year under Operation Pratighat, before the NIA took over the investigation, according to the Hindustan Times.

The chargesheet was filed before the NIA Special Court in Guwahati under the BNS, 2023 (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023), and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA).

The accused allegedly held clandestine meetings, ran indoctrination programmes, circulated extremist literature, and used digital platforms for anti-India propaganda on behalf of JMB's offshoot, Imam Mahmuder Kafila (IMK).

Nasimuddin and Jagir Mia were identified as key figures leading IMK's activities in Assam and Tripura respectively.

"Two Bangladeshi nationals were coordinating Assam-based activities from across the border," the Hindustan Times reported.

"The officers said some of the 11 arrested had travelled to Bangladesh on valid Indian passports and visas for meetings and training before 2023, while others were being encouraged to migrate with their families to the neighbouring country for arms training," the Hindustan Times reported.

IMK is believed to have been founded in 2018 by former JMB operative Jewel Mahmud, who propagates the ideology of Ghazwatul Hind.

Among those charged is Nasim Uddin, alias Tamim, 24, identified as IMK's Assam in-charge.

The NIA said the investigation is on-going.