Why are Bengal areas under intelligence surveillance after the arrest of three JMB activists?
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Synopsis
Kolkata's heightened intelligence surveillance follows the recent arrest of three Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh activists. This development raises concerns over the presence of sleeper cells in the area, particularly in minority-dominated districts. Discover how this impacts safety and security in West Bengal.
Key Takeaways
- Increased surveillance in Bengal following JMB arrests.
- Focus on minority-dominated districts for monitoring.
- Historical context of Khagragarh blast raises concerns.
- Presence of sleeper cells poses ongoing threats.
- Need for community awareness and vigilance.
Kolkata, May 11 (NationPress) Following the apprehension of three activists affiliated with Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) in West Bengal over the past two days, intelligence agencies—both federal and state—have ramped up monitoring in areas known to harbor sleeper cells associated with various extremist groups. Sources familiar with the situation revealed that these specific areas, particularly those bordering Bangladesh, are under heightened scrutiny, especially in the minority-majority districts of Murshidabad and Malda.
Additionally, other minority-dominated regions in districts such as Birbhum, East Burdwan, and Hooghly have also been placed under this intensive surveillance.
The apprehended JMB members, identified as Aazmal Hossain and Saheb Ali Khan, were taken into custody on Friday in Nalhati, both residents of Birbhum. Their interrogation led to the identification of their associate, Abasuddin Molla, who was arrested on Saturday at his home in Patra village, located within the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency of South 24 Parganas.
Furthermore, certain areas in East Burdwan, particularly those with significant minority populations, have been monitored closely since a bombing incident in Khagragarh in October 2014, where 55 improvised explosive devices, RDX, wristwatch dials, and SIM cards were discovered. The investigation concluded that JMB orchestrated the assembly of these explosives.
Reports suggest that JMB sleeper cells are operational in Khagragarh and surrounding regions. Of the 19 individuals convicted in the related case, four were identified as Bangladeshi nationals and were deeply involved in extremist activities.
In recent years, numerous arrests have been made of sleeper cell members from various fundamentalist and terrorist organizations in Hooghly's minority areas, prompting increased monitoring in these regions.
Recently, the Union Home Ministry received alerts from intelligence agencies regarding the suspected involvement of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in the unrest and vandalism in Murshidabad during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act.
During this time, the names of three fundamentalist groups based in Bangladesh emerged: JMB, Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HUT), and Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT).
Point of View
It is crucial to approach this unfolding situation with thorough understanding and objectivity. The recent arrests not only highlight the ongoing challenges posed by extremist groups but also signal a need for heightened vigilance and community awareness. Nation supports proactive measures ensuring public safety while fostering an inclusive environment.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the increase in surveillance in West Bengal?
The increase in surveillance was prompted by the recent arrests of three Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh activists, raising concerns about sleeper cells in the region.
Which areas in Bengal are under special surveillance?
Areas under special surveillance include minority-dominated districts such as Murshidabad, Malda, Birbhum, East Burdwan, and Hooghly.
What are sleeper cells?
Sleeper cells are clandestine groups of operatives who remain inactive until activated to carry out terrorist activities.
What was discovered during the Khagragarh incident?
During the Khagragarh incident, authorities seized 55 improvised explosive devices and identified JMB as the mastermind behind the explosives assembly.
Which fundamentalist groups have been mentioned in the recent reports?
The recent reports mentioned Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh, Hizb-ut-Tahrir, and Ansarullah Bangla Team.
