Northeast Desk, 27th June: In a significant development, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has successfully secured the conviction and sentencing of two members associated with the banned Bangladeshi terror outfit, Ansar-al-Islam. Identified as Bangladeshi nationals Mahmud Hassan @ Shariful Hassan (A-1) and Mohamad Sayad Hussain @ Mohamad Sa’ad Hussain @ Sohan Molla @ Shihab Hossain, they were found guilty of conspiring to carry out terrorist activities in India.
The NIA Special Court in Aizawl, Mizoram, handed down a five-year imprisonment term to each individual along with a fine of Rs 10,000 or one month in default, after convicting them under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code, Foreigners Act, and UA(P) Act. The case against them was initiated on January 23, 2020, following meticulous investigations by the NIA, which assumed control in September 2019.
Investigations under case RC-11/2019/NIA-GUW revealed their involvement in aiding and abetting a conspiracy orchestrated by Ansar-al-Islam, purportedly the Bangladesh wing of Al-Qaeda, aimed at perpetrating terrorist acts in India. The agency pieced together their roles through analysis of digital evidence, including incriminating audios, speeches promoting Jihad, and images detailing bomb-making procedures seized during the investigation. Additionally, 11 mobile phones and 16 SIM cards were confiscated from the convicted individuals, crucial in establishing their communications and activities.
Mahmud Hassan, influenced by Abdul Wadud and guided by handler Munir, conducted reconnaissance missions in Bengaluru, capturing photographs of significant public and religious sites on his mobile phone. Meanwhile, Mohamad Sayad Hussain frequently changed locations on instructions from his handler Bashir Ahmed, disguising his profession to evade law enforcement and avoid detection.
The NIA’s successful prosecution underscores its commitment to combatting terrorism and ensuring justice through rigorous investigation and legal action against individuals posing threats to national security.
Read More: Sikkim Mountaineer Manita Pradhan Conquers Mt Denali, Advances Seven Summit Quest