Kolkata Court Sentences Alleged JMB Associate to Eight Years in Prison for Sabotage Plot
A Kolkata court on Monday delivered a significant verdict, sentencing Dilbar Hossain, an alleged close associate of Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) terrorist Jahidul Islam Mizan, to eight years of rigorous imprisonment. This decision came after Hossain pleaded guilty in a high-profile 2018 case linked to an attempted sabotage plan in the city of Kolkata.
Court Imposes Fine and Additional Penalties
Chief Judge Sukumar Roy of the Kolkata City Sessions Court not only handed down the prison sentence but also imposed a substantial fine of Rs 30,000 on the convict. In a stern warning, the court specified that failure to pay this fine would result in an additional three months of imprisonment. The judgment included separate sentences for various other offences, but the court directed that all terms would run concurrently, ensuring Hossain serves a consolidated period behind bars.
Background of the Arrest and Investigation
Dilbar Hossain was apprehended by the Kolkata Police Special Task Force (STF) in 2018, following a meticulous investigation that reportedly thwarted a planned sabotage attempt in the city. Police records reveal that Hossain operated under multiple aliases, including Umar, Nurul, and Ali Hasan, which complicated the initial stages of the probe. He is currently incarcerated at Presidency Jail, where he awaits the execution of his sentence.
Legal Charges and Guilty Plea
Special Public Prosecutor Ganesh Maity outlined the serious charges brought against Hossain, which included sedition, offences related to explosives, and provisions under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). During the court proceedings, Hossain, through his legal counsel, expressed his intention to plead guilty and appealed for leniency from the bench. This plea was considered in the final sentencing, though the court maintained a firm stance given the gravity of the offences.
Connection to JMB Terrorist Jahidul Islam Mizan
The case gains additional context from its link to Jahidul Islam Mizan, also known as 'Boma Mizan', a notorious JMB terrorist. Mizan himself was recently sentenced to eight years' imprisonment last week in a separate planned jailbreak case. This sentence adds to a previous 29-year jail term awarded for his involvement in various terror-related activities, highlighting the ongoing crackdown on such networks in the region.
Broader Impact and Conviction Tally
Court sources have indicated that this particular case has led to the conviction of 12 terrorists so far, underscoring its significance in the fight against terrorism in Kolkata. The successful prosecution of Hossain marks another step in dismantling extremist networks and serves as a deterrent to similar activities. The judicial process continues to emphasize accountability and justice in cases involving national security threats.
