The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted a series of coordinated raids on Thursday across 19 locations in Assam, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh. These operations were part of an ongoing probe into the activities of the banned terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), which is accused of radicalising individuals and disseminating extremist propaganda.
Raids in Jammu and Kashmir
In Jammu and Kashmir, the NIA focused its operations in multiple districts, including the Bamzoo Mattan area of Anantnag, Kreeri in Baramulla, and Khansahib in Budgam. Sources revealed that the agency targeted locations linked to individuals suspected of promoting JeM’s ideology. Seized items reportedly include electronic devices and documents believed to contain sensitive and incriminating information.
Action in Gujarat
The agency extended its reach to Gujarat, where it collaborated with Ahmedabad Rural Police to raid the residence of Adil Vepari in Sanand town. Vepari, reportedly a member of an online radical group, works at a madrasa in Chekhala village, located in the Banas Kantha district. Investigators believe Vepari’s activities are linked to a broader network involved in promoting extremist ideologies.
Protests in Uttar Pradesh
In Uttar Pradesh, the NIA faced public unrest during a raid in Jhansi at the residence of local cleric Mufti Khalid. A crowd gathered around the premises, prompting the cleric to address them directly. Mufti Khalid urged the crowd to remain calm and emphasised that the NIA was conducting the raid within the framework of the law. The situation was defused without further escalation.
Seizures and Suspects
The NIA stated that its teams confiscated significant evidence during the raids, including propaganda pamphlets, magazines, and electronic devices. Several suspects have been detained for questioning regarding their alleged roles in inciting violence and facilitating radicalisation across the country.
According to a senior NIA official, the suspects are believed to be part of an extensive network aimed at recruiting individuals and motivating them to execute violent attacks within India. “This operation is a critical step in dismantling a dangerous ecosystem of radicalisation and violence,” the official said.
Coordinated Crackdown on Extremism
The multi-state raids are part of the NIA’s broader efforts to curb the activities of proscribed terrorist organisations. The agency continues to investigate the funding, recruitment, and operational strategies of networks like JeM.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to safeguarding national security and have urged the public to remain vigilant. Investigations are ongoing, and the NIA is expected to release further details as the probe progresses.
