Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Sep 30: The National Investigation Agency's (NIA) probe into an alleged cross-border terror conspiracy has shifted focus to Imam Mahmuder Kafila (IMK), an outfit described by investigators as an offshoot of the banned Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB).
The IMK came under the agency's scanner during a radicalisation case originating in Assam, with investigators also examining its alleged links in West Bengal and Kerala. The NIA had conducted searches at 16 locations across Assam, West Bengal and Kerala on September 29 as part of the probe.
According to intelligence inputs cited in the investigation, IMK was launched in 2018 and is headed by Jewel Mahmud alias Imam Mahmud Habibullah. Officials said he was instrumental in establishing regional wings of the outfit in Assam and West Bengal, while the latest investigation indicates an alleged attempt to expand its activities into Kerala.
The NIA has previously alleged that IMK was established by JMB senior member Imam Mahmud Habibullah to further the banned organisation's agenda in India. In June, the agency filed a chargesheet against 11 accused in a related case, alleging a conspiracy to expand IMK's network and extremist ideology in West Bengal and the northeastern states, including Assam and Tripura.
An Intelligence Bureau official said the group's activities remained relatively low-key after its formation but that it subsequently sought to establish regional networks.
Officials also said Bangladesh-based terror groups were allegedly attempting to shift some of their activities towards southern India. They attributed this, according to the investigation, to increased scrutiny of suspected illegal immigration networks in West Bengal and the northeastern states, as well as the availability of employment opportunities in sectors such as construction and plantations in southern states.
According to the officials, IMK had allegedly been tasked by JMB with establishing modules in Assam, West Bengal and Kerala.
The investigation has also pointed to an alleged multi-layered structure extending from Bangladesh into India. Officials said JMB handlers Khalid and Umar were allegedly involved in coordinating activities and maintained contact with Nasimuddin, a resident of Barpeta Road, who allegedly handled recruitment for the module in Assam.
Nasimuddin was earlier identified by the NIA as a key accused allegedly handling IMK activities in Assam. The agency has also identified Jagir Mia as an alleged key figure in Tripura.
Officials said Nasimuddin allegedly had several associates involved in radicalisation activities. In Tripura, Jagir Mia was allegedly tasked with recruitment and radicalisation by handlers based in Bangladesh.
According to investigators, the IMK-linked module used the name "Purba Akash" for its activities in India. Officials alleged that the group used the platform to circulate violent extremist propaganda and promote the concept of "Ghazwa-e-Hind".
The investigation has also examined the alleged funding structure of the modules in Assam and Tripura. Officials said the groups did not rely on large-scale funding and instead allegedly used a decentralised system involving smaller contributions collected in villages.
The probe has further indicated an alleged plan to establish modules initially in Assam, West Bengal and Kerala and subsequently expand the network into other parts of South India by attempting to recruit Bangladeshis living illegally in the region.
The latest NIA searches followed the filing of a chargesheet against 11 accused in the related case. During the searches conducted across the three states, the agency also recovered documents and electronic devices, according to officials.
The NIA has said the investigation is aimed at uncovering the wider network and establishing the roles of individuals allegedly associated with the IMK-JMB conspiracy. Further investigation is underway.