Chennai: In a significant development, the Special Court for National Investigation Agency (NIA) cases in Poonamallee, Chennai, sentenced Abdullah, also known as Saravana Kumar, to five years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 10,000. Abdullah, a member of the banned terrorist group Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HuT), was found guilty of promoting the divisive and violent ideology of the organisation, which advocates for the establishment of an Islamic caliphate through unlawful means.
In a post on the social media platform X, the NIA detailed that Abdullah had been convicted for inciting others to engage in unlawful activities aimed at destabilizing India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The agency’s investigation revealed Abdullah’s deep involvement with HuT, stating that he attempted to gain support for the organization and actively encouraged followers to challenge India’s democratic governance.
Incitement to Promote Violent Ideologies
The NIA statement revealed that Abdullah had been using social media to further HuT’s agenda. On two occasions in 2021, he posted inflammatory content on Facebook under the alias “Abdullah ibn Subramanian.” His posts were intended to promote disaffection towards the Indian government and to incite others toward actions against public order, violating laws under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). NIA investigators found that Abdullah’s content sought to disrupt public tranquility, a charge for which he has now been convicted.
NIA Spl Court Sentences HuT Cadre to RI for Promoting Terror Ideology pic.twitter.com/hPxYe6LkDm
— NIA India (@NIA_India) November 12, 2024
The prosecution argued that Abdullah had been radicalized through online sources and was allegedly seeking support from foreign entities to form a militant force aimed at establishing an Islamic State in Tamil Nadu. His posts not only supported HuT’s objective of overthrowing the Indian government but also encouraged violence and extremism, resonating with the objectives of ISIS, with whom he is believed to have been in contact.
Arrest and Initial Investigation
Abdullah’s activities came under scrutiny in April 2021, when police in Madurai’s Teppakulam area arrested him following complaints about his incendiary social media posts. The Tamil Nadu police charged him under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including charges of attempting to wage war against the government, promoting religious enmity, and violations under the UAPA. The NIA took over the case in May 2021, launching a detailed investigation that included searches at Abdullah’s residence and the recovery of significant evidence that linked him to extremist activities.
After a thorough inquiry, NIA filed a charge sheet against Abdullah in October 2021, documenting the radical nature of his social media posts and his connections with ISIS recruiters. The charges highlighted his support for HuT’s aims of establishing a caliphate and dismantling democratic structures, branding him as a highly radicalized individual with malicious intent against India’s sovereignty.
Recent Crackdown on Hizb-ut-Tahrir Network in Tamil Nadu
Abdullah’s sentencing is part of a broader crackdown on HuT’s operations in Tamil Nadu, which the government recently declared a terrorist organization. Following this designation in October 2024, the NIA intensified its efforts against individuals associated with HuT. Multiple arrests have been made across Chennai and nearby regions, focusing on dismantling recruitment networks and curbing propaganda.
In one such case, Chennai Cyber Crime Police detained six individuals linked to HuT under the UAPA in the Royapettah area. The accused were involved in recruiting local youth for HuT’s cause and hosting secret meetings to propagate the organization’s extremist ideology. The investigation pointed to Dr. Hameed Hussain, a Royapettah resident and former college lecturer, as the principal coordinator. Hussain allegedly used his YouTube channel, Dr. Hameed Hussain Talks, and a registered NGO, Modern Essential Educational Trust, as fronts to spread HuT’s ideology and recruit young followers.
Hussain is believed to have held covert “bayaans” (sermons) in Chennai, targeting vulnerable young individuals and promoting the concept of military assistance (Nusra) to achieve HuT’s goal of establishing an Islamic caliphate. Among those involved, Aziz Ahmed was identified as a lead organizer of these meetings, reportedly encouraging participants to view armed jihad as a legitimate means to overthrow the Indian state.
Nationwide Investigations and Seizure of Evidence
Since July 2024, NIA has launched raids in various parts of Tamil Nadu to dismantle HuT’s network. The agency seized multiple digital devices, documents, and other materials connected to the organization. The recent search of Faizul Rahman’s residence in Chennai yielded incriminating evidence, according to an NIA statement. Rahman, arrested on October 8, allegedly conspired with other accused to advance HuT’s secessionist agenda, and was reportedly in contact with external agents to solicit support for HuT’s activities.
Rahman’s activities were found to be part of a larger scheme to solicit military assistance from hostile foreign forces, specifically aiming to destabilize the region of Kashmir and establish an Islamic caliphate within India. Evidence collected from the raids has intensified NIA’s ongoing investigation, which now focuses on financial tracking to understand the scope of HuT’s operations and identify additional conspirators. Officials emphasize that the seized documents and devices could lead to uncovering further links between HuT and other extremist groups.
India’s Stance Against Terrorism
The recent designation of HuT as a terrorist organisation reflects the government’s commitment to eliminating threats posed by extremist groups. Since Prime Minister Modi’s administration officially banned HuT in October, authorities have taken stringent measures to prevent the group’s spread in India. This action aligns with a broader strategy aimed at curbing terror financing, deterring foreign influence in domestic radicalization, and addressing emerging security threats.
With Abdullah’s sentencing and the ongoing crackdown on HuT’s network, Tamil Nadu’s security apparatus has been further mobilised to prevent the resurgence of extremist activities in the state. Security agencies and local law enforcement remain on high alert, particularly regarding social media monitoring, where radicalized individuals often disseminate harmful content. Officials stress that continued vigilance is crucial to disrupting online extremist networks that pose significant risks to peace and stability in the region.
