What was the outcome of the Kolkata court's decision on Bangladeshi JMB members?
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Synopsis
In a significant ruling by the Kolkata City Sessions Court, five members of the Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) were sentenced to life imprisonment for their involvement in sedition and the 2014 Khagragarh blast. This verdict underscores the ongoing battle against militant activities in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Life imprisonment handed to five JMB members.
- Convicted on sedition charges.
- Linked to the Khagragarh explosion in 2014.
- Fines imposed in addition to prison sentences.
- Trial included 15 witnesses.
Kolkata, Dec 3 (NationPress) A court has sentenced five individuals from the Bangladeshi militant organization Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) to life imprisonment.
The City Sessions Court in Kolkata handed down the convictions on charges of sedition on Wednesday. Reports indicate that those convicted were also connected to the Khagragarh blast that occurred in 2014.
In 2016, five members of JMB, identified as Mohammad Rubel, Jabirul Islam, Mohammad Shahidul Islam, Maulana Yusuf Sheikh, and Anwar Hossain, were apprehended. They were detained in Bangaon and Basirhat located in the North 24 Parganas district, as well as in the nearby state of Assam. The arrests were made by the Special Task Force of the Kolkata Police, and the trial included the testimonies of 15 witnesses.
On Tuesday, the City Sessions Court reached a verdict, with Judge Rohan Singh announcing the sentences on Wednesday. Among those convicted, Anwar and Jabirul are Bangladeshi nationals. The judge also adjudged them guilty under the Foreigners Act.
All five received life sentences in the sedition case. Additionally, each was fined Rs 20,000. The judge decreed that a default in payment would result in three months of imprisonment. Furthermore, the accused were found guilty under various other sections of law.
Rubel was sentenced to five years in prison and fined Rs 10,000 under another legal provision, with one month of imprisonment for default. Similarly, Yusuf received a life sentence and a Rs 50,000 fine, facing a six-month prison term in default.
Shahidul was also sentenced to five years and fined Rs 10,000, with one month in jail for default. Anwar and Jabirul were found guilty under the Foreigners Act, each sentenced to three years and fined Rs 50,000, with one month of imprisonment in case of default.
It is significant to note that these five individuals are implicated in the Khagragarh incident.
On October 2, 2014, during Ashtami, a powerful explosion occurred in a residence in Khagragarh, East Burdwan district, claiming the life of a person named Shakil Gazi. The incident was later connected to the JMB militant group.
Reports suggest that these five JMB members, who were apprehended nearly two years post-incident, were also involved in the explosion.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the significance of this ruling not only in terms of justice for the victims but also as a broader message against terrorism. The conviction of these individuals reinforces our commitment to national security and the rule of law, emphasizing that such acts of violence will not be tolerated.
NationPress
05/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges were the JMB members convicted of?
The JMB members were convicted on charges of sedition and were also linked to the Khagragarh blast in 2014.
What was the outcome of the trial?
All five members received life sentences and were fined Rs 20,000 each, along with additional penalties under various legal provisions.
What is the significance of the Khagragarh blast?
The Khagragarh blast, which occurred on October 2, 2014, resulted in a fatality and was later tied to the activities of the JMB militant group.
How many witnesses testified during the trial?
The trial included the testimonies of 15 witnesses.
What will happen if the fines are not paid?
A default in payment will result in additional imprisonment, ranging from one month to three months, depending on the specified offenses.
