Could JMB Links in Bengal Expose Stone Quarries in Birbhum?
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Synopsis
The investigation into stone quarries in Birbhum brings to light serious concerns about potential links to terrorist activities. As intelligence agencies delve deeper, the implications for local safety and security continue to unfold.
Key Takeaways
- Intelligence agencies are scrutinizing stone quarries in Birbhum, West Bengal.
- Concerns arise over explosives potentially falling into the hands of extremist groups.
- Recent arrests have revealed links to the Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB).
- The investigation aims to uncover connections between local quarry employees and extremist activities.
- Authorities are prioritizing public safety amidst rising concerns of terrorism.
Kolkata, May 13 (NationPress) Various stone quarries in Birbhum district of West Bengal are now being closely examined by intelligence agencies due to concerns that the explosives acquired for stone-blasting might fall into the hands of sleeper cells linked to terror organizations operating in the region.
Quarries that are functioning without the necessary licenses and permits to obtain and utilize explosives for stone blasting are under heightened scrutiny.
This surveillance comes in the wake of the recent arrests of three associates of the Bangladesh-affiliated extremist group, Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), in West Bengal over the past three days, with two suspects reportedly active in Nalhati within Birbhum.
Interrogation of Aazmal Hossain and Saheb Ali Khan, operating from Nalhati, has revealed their involvement in radicalizing local youths to join JMB's sleeper cells, as well as establishing connections with certain quarry employees to acquire some of the explosives intended for stone blasting, per sources.
Investigating authorities are working to uncover more about the arrested individuals' connections within these quarries and whether they have already acquired any explosives.
In addition to Aazmal and Saheb, authorities from West Bengal Police's special task force apprehended their third accomplice, Abasuddin Molla, who was found at his home in Patra village, located in the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency of South 24 Parganas district.
A police insider has disclosed that officials are aware of two other associates of the detained suspects who remain at large. However, their identities have been withheld for the investigation's integrity.
Recently, the Union Home Ministry received intelligence about the purported involvement of illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators in the unrest and destruction occurring in the minority-dominated Murshidabad district, related to the newly introduced Waqf (Amendment) Act.
During this period, three extremist groups from Bangladesh, including JMB, Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HUT), and Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), were mentioned.
Point of View
I emphasize the need for thorough investigations into the activities of illegal quarries in West Bengal. The connection to extremist groups like JMB raises serious safety concerns, and we must approach this situation with vigilance and accountability.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the investigation into the stone quarries?
Intelligence agencies are investigating due to concerns that explosives procured for stone blasting might be accessed by sleeper cells of terror groups.
Which extremist group is linked to the arrests?
The arrests are linked to the Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), a Bangladesh-based fundamentalist group.
What are the implications of this investigation?
The investigation raises serious safety concerns for local communities regarding the potential misuse of explosives by extremist groups.
How are local authorities responding?
Local authorities, including the West Bengal Police, are actively investigating and monitoring the situation to ensure public safety.
What other groups are mentioned in the context of this investigation?
Other groups mentioned include Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HUT) and Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), highlighting a broader issue of extremism.
