Kolkata, 26 May (H.S.): A major terror conspiracy has been uncovered in West Bengal following the recent arrest of three operatives linked to the banned Bangladeshi terror outfit Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB). Investigations have revealed that these individuals were actively working to radicalise and recruit young individuals, including minors, into sleeper cells across the state.

According to senior officials, the arrested suspects personally reached out to youths and lured them into participating in so-called religious education programmes. While appearing innocuous on the surface, these sessions were a covert attempt to indoctrinate participants with extremist ideology. The youths were reportedly provided with videos and literature that subtly promoted jihadist beliefs under the guise of religious teachings.

Only those who demonstrated unwavering loyalty to the organisation’s long-term goals were selected for deeper indoctrination. These individuals were then subjected to intense ideological grooming aimed at turning them into dedicated cadre members.

Pakistan and Kashmir Links Emerge

Of the three arrested suspects, Abbasuddin Molla has been found to have direct links with Pakistan. Encrypted messages recovered from his mobile phone revealed communication with individuals based in Pakistan, as well as with the Kashmir-centric terror group Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind.

The other two accused, Azmal Hussain and Saheb Ali Khan, were arrested from West Bengal’s Birbhum district. Messages retrieved from their devices point to connections not only with JMB but also with Bangladesh-based extremist groups such as Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HuT) and Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT). Abbasuddin was arrested from Paturia village in Diamond Harbour, South 24 Parganas.

ABT Suspected in Murshidabad Violence

In a related development, intelligence agencies suspect the involvement of ABT in the recent violent protests in Murshidabad district over the Waqf (Amendment) Act. Investigations suggest the role of illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators in the unrest, particularly in border regions such as Shamsherganj and Dhulian. Notably, the Chapai Nawabganj district in Bangladesh—adjacent to Shamsherganj—is known to be an ABT stronghold.

In response to these findings, state police and central intelligence agencies have issued high alerts. The strategy of targeting minors and young individuals for jihadist activities is being treated as a serious threat to national security. Based on interrogations and digital evidence, efforts are now underway to identify and apprehend others linked to this growing radical network.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh