Bengaluru: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has alleged that Shama Parveen, an alleged Al-Qaeda operative arrested in Bengaluru last July, was part of a larger conspiracy to overthrow India’s democratically elected government through an armed rebellion and impose Sharia law in the country.
In a significant development, the NIA on December 17 filed a detailed chargesheet before a special court in Ahmedabad against five suspected Al-Qaeda members — Mohammad Fardeen, Qureshi Saifullah, Mohammad Faiq, Zeeshan Ali, and Shama Parveen. The central agency has accused the group of systematically spreading radical ideology online, recruiting and indoctrinating youth, and preparing the ground for violent extremism.
According to the chargesheet, the accused were actively propagating the anti-India ideology of the banned terrorist organisation Al-Qaeda using multiple social media platforms. The NIA has claimed that the group openly called for armed rebellion against the Indian state and advocated the establishment of Sharia law by force.
The agency said that during searches and investigations, it recovered incriminating documents, digital devices, extremist literature, and weapons, including a sword and a semi-automatic pistol. These seizures, the NIA said, corroborate the prosecution’s claim that the accused were not merely engaged in online propaganda but were also preparing for violent action.
Radicalisation through social media
The chargesheet highlights that the accused used platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to circulate radical speeches, videos, and posts glorifying jihad, Al-Qaeda leaders, and violence against the Indian state. The content was allegedly tailored to influence and radicalise young users, encouraging them to join extremist causes.
Investigators have stated that Shama Parveen played an active role in amplifying Al-Qaeda ideology online. After the Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent counter-terror operation codenamed Operation Sindoor, she allegedly intensified her online activity by sharing extremist videos and participating in virtual meetings of terrorist-linked groups.
The NIA has further alleged that Shama was in direct contact with a Pakistani national identified as Sumer Ali. She is accused of sharing banned extremist material with him and maintaining communication with several Pakistan-based phone numbers, which were reportedly found stored on her mobile device.
Arrest in Bengaluru
Shama Parveen was arrested following a coordinated operation by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). On July 29 last year, ATS officers raided a residence in R.T. Nagar, Bengaluru, where she was staying. After preliminary questioning, she was formally arrested on July 30 and later transferred to Gujarat for further investigation.
The arrest was part of a wider crackdown on suspected Al-Qaeda modules operating across multiple states. The NIA later took over the investigation, citing the transnational nature of the conspiracy and the involvement of a banned terrorist organisation.
Who is Shama Parveen?
According to investigators, Shama Parveen Ansari is a 30-year-old woman originally from Jharkhand who has been residing in Bengaluru for the past three years. She was living in a rented flat in the Hebbal area at the time of her arrest.
The agency claims that she was actively involved in radicalising youth to expand the Al-Qaeda terror network in India. Her role allegedly included disseminating extremist propaganda, coordinating with other operatives, and facilitating communication between India-based suspects and foreign handlers.
Serious charges under anti-terror laws
The accused have been booked under multiple stringent provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code. The NIA has argued that the actions of the accused posed a serious threat to national security, communal harmony, and constitutional order.
With the filing of the chargesheet, the trial process is expected to begin after the court takes cognisance of the case. The NIA has indicated that further investigations are ongoing to identify additional associates, funding channels, and international linkages connected to the alleged Al-Qaeda module.
The case underscores growing concerns among security agencies about online radicalisation and the use of digital platforms by terror groups to recruit and mobilise operatives within India.
