What led to the 10-year imprisonment of LeT operative in Kolkata?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Kolkata, Jan 21 (NationPress) A special court from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Kolkata has handed down a 10-year prison sentence to Lashkar-e-Taiba operative Syed Mohammad Idrish.
The ruling was delivered by Judge Sukumar Roy during proceedings of a sedition case. The sentence also included a monetary fine.
NIA attorney Shyamal Ghosh stated that Idrish admitted his guilt in court, prompting the judge to deem him guilty after reviewing all evidence.
In March 2020, a college student named Tania Parvin was arrested for her alleged involvement with the Islamic militant group while operating out of Baduria in the North 24 Parganas district.
Initially taken into custody by the State Police’s Special Task Force, the case was soon transferred to the NIA, which revealed numerous confidential details during Tania’s questioning. She was reportedly inspired by the banned Pakistani militant organization Lashkar-e-Taiba and began her recruitment efforts online, establishing social media groups to spread the ideology of jihad and recruit young individuals.
Following her questioning, Lashkar militant Altaf was apprehended in Bandipora, Kashmir. Subsequently, both Syed Mohammad Idrish, also known as Munna, and Ayesha Burhan, alias Ayesha Siddiqui, were captured.
The NIA submitted a charge sheet in this case in September 2020, which included additional charges against Tania Parvin, Syed Mohammad Idris, and Ayesha. The accused faced multiple charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
It is noteworthy that Ayesha Siddiqui hails from Punjab, Pakistan, while Idris, known as Munna, resided in Karnataka. These militants had orchestrated plans for major sabotage within India.
Sources indicate that the Pakistani intelligence agency ISI was backing this jihadist module. However, Indian intelligence agencies were vigilant, leading to Idris being the only one sentenced so far.