Amidst ongoing concerns about the Indo-Pak conflict, the state Special Task Force (STF) conducted a successful raid in Nalhati and Murarai of Birbhum, resulting in the arrest of two members of the Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen (Bangladesh). The arrests occurred late Thursday night, marking a significant development in the effort to counter militant activities within the state.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Ajmal Hossain, 28, a resident of Nalhati, and Saheb Ali Khan, also 28, a resident of Murarai. Both are confirmed members of the banned jihadi organization JMB, a group known for its involvement in subversive activities. The specific module to which these individuals belonged is accused of actively working to radicalize and brainwash Muslim youth.
The primary modus operandi of this JMB module involved the dissemination of seditious and religiously provocative messages. These messages were carefully crafted and distributed in an encrypted format, making them difficult to trace and intercept. According to sources within the STF, the arrested individuals were involved in a larger conspiracy.
The conspiracy allegedly included plans to carry out attacks on strategic locations and prominent figures within the country. These attacks aimed to destabilize the nation and undermine its sovereignty. To further this agenda, the module focused on recruiting and indoctrinating young individuals, drawing them into the militant network through a process of intensive brainwashing.
STF sources reveal that Ajmal Hossain had a history of involvement in jihadi activities, including a previous attempt to cross over into Bangladesh. He was reportedly engaged in efforts to manufacture explosives and procure firearms, indicating a clear intention to carry out violent acts. The ultimate goal of these activities, according to investigators, was the establishment of the 'Gajatul Hind' ideology.
"Ajmal and Saheb were in regular contact with anti-national forces operating outside the country," stated STF OC Indrajit Basu. "We have received information indicating that they were also involved in financial transactions with these external elements." The two arrested individuals were presented before the Rampurhat court on Friday, where the STF sought 14 days of police custody to facilitate further investigation.