A sessions court in Kolkata delivered a significant verdict on Wednesday, sentencing five men to rigorous life imprisonment for their involvement in a conspiracy to carry out terrorist attacks across India and wage war against the government. The convicted individuals, all Bangladeshi nationals, were also found guilty of possessing fake Indian identity documents.
The Verdict and the Accused
The court found Anwar Hossain Faruque, Md Rubel, Maulana Yusuf Sk, Md Sahidul Islam, and Jabirul Islam guilty under a series of stringent charges. These included sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 121, 121A, 122, 123, and 124A of the Indian Penal Code, primarily related to waging war against the nation. Additionally, they were penalized under the Foreigners Act for their illegal stay and the Explosive Substances Act.
One other accused, Abdul Kalam, was discharged from the case by the court due to a lack of sufficient evidence against him. All six individuals were originally arrested nine years ago in 2016 by the Special Task Force (STF) of the Kolkata Police.
Details of the Conspiracy and Arrest
The case traces back to September 2016, when the Kolkata Police STF, acting on specific intelligence inputs, conducted an operation leading to the arrest of the six suspects. The intelligence indicated their illegal entry into India through the India-Bangladesh border in North 24 Parganas district.
Investigations revealed that the group were suspected members of the Bangladesh-based terrorist outfit Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB). At the time of their arrest, it was alleged that the module was actively planning to execute bomb blasts in various parts of the country. Their purported targets included regions in northeast and south India.
Enhanced Punishment and Legal Proceedings
Among the convicted, Maulana Yusuf Sk received an additional life sentence under Section 121A of the IPC for his prominent role in the planned subversive activities. The court emphasized the grave nature of the crimes, which involved not just illegal immigration but a direct threat to national security and sovereignty.
The sentencing under the Foreigners Act and the Explosive Substances Act further solidified the court's stance on the seriousness of possessing forged documents and materials intended for creating terror. The prolonged legal process, spanning nearly a decade, culminated in this decisive judgment, underscoring the meticulous efforts of the prosecution and the police.
This verdict sends a strong message regarding India's judicial resolve in dealing with cross-border terrorism and conspiracies aimed at destabilizing the country. It highlights the continued vigilance of security agencies in thwarting such threats and the judiciary's role in delivering consequential justice.
