NIA arrests key suspect in terror plot to radicalise people in Bengal, Northeast

The NIA has arrested another accused in the alleged IMK terror conspiracy in West Bengal. The case centres on claims of radicalisation, recruitment and network-building across eastern and northeastern India.NIA arrests key suspect in plot to expand terror network in West Bengal, Northeast. (Representative image)New Delhi,Oct 11, 2026 17:26 ISTThe National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested another accused in an alleged terror conspiracy to expand the network and extremist ideology of an offshoot of the banned Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) in West Bengal and northeastern states.The accused was arrested in West Bengal on Saturday. Several digital devices, including mobile phones and memory cards, were seized from his possession, the agency said.The arrest follows the NIA's searches at 16 locations across Assam, West Bengal and Kerala on September 29, during which 13 accused were arrested in connection with the same case. The investigation centres on Imam Mahmuder Kafila (IMK), an offshoot of JMB allegedly involved in efforts to radicalise vulnerable youth and expand the banned organisation's network in India.NIA PROBE INTO RADICALISATION AND RECRUITMENTAccording to the NIA, the investigation has revealed an alleged conspiracy to spread IMK's extremist ideology in West Bengal and northeastern states, including Assam and Tripura. The accused allegedly sought to promote the outfit's agenda, radicalise vulnerable young people and recruit individuals to strengthen its presence in India. The agency has said Imam Mahmud Habibullah, a senior member of JMB, established IMK to promote the banned organisation's agenda in the country.Investigators have alleged that the accused conspired to expand IMK/JMB's activities through clandestine meetings, religious indoctrination programmes and the circulation of extremist literature. They also allegedly used digital platforms, including Telegram, to radicalise individuals and disseminate anti-India propaganda. The NIA said the accused also sought to promote allegiance to the leadership of the two outfits and strengthen their network in India.11 ACCUSED CHARGESHEETED IN JUNEThe latest arrest comes after the NIA filed a chargesheet against 11 accused before the special NIA court in Guwahati, Assam, on June 25, 2026. The chargesheet invoked various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.Two of the accused named in the chargesheet were identified as Nasimuddin, who allegedly spearheaded IMK's activities in Assam, and Jagir Mia, who was accused of leading the outfit in Tripura.During the investigation, the NIA also recovered documents, electronic devices and digital records that it said were used to build its case against the accused.SEARCHES ACROSS THREE STATESOn September 29, the NIA conducted searches at 16 locations across Assam, West Bengal and Kerala. Of these, 10 were in Assam, five in West Bengal and one in Kerala, according to officials cited in an earlier report by news agency ANI.The searches were aimed at gathering evidence related to alleged radicalisation activities and suspected cross-border links associated with the IMK network. Investigators were also examining the activities and connections of individuals suspected of being linked to the case.The NIA is continuing its investigation in case.- Ends