BENGALURU: Intelligence inputs have raised fresh concerns about attempts by extremist groups to expand their presence in South India. Security agencies have reportedly uncovered information suggesting that leaders of the Islamic State-inspired faction of Jamaat‑ul‑Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) are planning to rebuild their network in several Indian states, including Karnataka.
The development comes amid reports of targeted killings of Hindus in Bangladesh, which have already caused diplomatic and security concerns in the region. Investigators now believe that elements linked to JMB are attempting to exploit migrant networks and vulnerable workers to expand their reach beyond eastern India.
According to intelligence sources, the group’s activities are being coordinated by the new leadership of the Neo-JMB faction, which is said to be operating under the influence of the Islamic State-linked Bangla Province network. The organisation is believed to be controlled by a leader identified as Sheikh Amin.
Investigators say the Neo-JMB network is currently being led by its leader, Salahuddin Ahmed, also known as Salehin, who was reportedly named head of the group in February 2020. Intelligence inputs suggest that Salehin has been operating from areas near West Bengal and is suspected to be moving across several parts of South India to expand the organisation’s network.
Officials believe that Salehin has been trying to establish contact with Bangladeshi nationals who have entered India illegally and are working as labourers in plantations and estates across southern states.
“These workers are often employed in coffee estates, coconut plantations and other agricultural sectors in states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala,” an intelligence officer said. “The concern is that such individuals may be vulnerable to coercion or recruitment.”
Investigators claim that Salehin and his associates may have contacted more than a hundred migrant workers in different regions, allegedly attempting to persuade or pressure them to assist the organisation.
According to sources, some migrants were allegedly threatened that their illegal immigration status would be exposed if they refused to cooperate.
“They are believed to have detailed information about undocumented migrants and may be using that information to blackmail them,” a senior officer familiar with the investigation said.
Security agencies are also examining the possibility that extremist elements could attempt acts of disruption during upcoming elections in states such as Kerala, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. Though there is no confirmed plot at present, authorities say such risks are being taken seriously.
The JMB organisation itself has a long and violent history. It was originally founded by Sheikh Abdur Rahman, who was executed by Bangladeshi authorities in 2007 following a series of terror attacks. After his death, leadership passed to Maulana Saidur Rahman, who was later arrested in 2010.
Investigators note that the group initially had ideological links with Al‑Qaeda around 2000 but later shifted allegiance to the Islamic State around 2015.
In the past, central and state agencies in India had dismantled several JMB modules operating in South India. Dozens of suspects linked to the group were arrested during operations conducted in cities including Bengaluru and Ramanagara.
Following those crackdowns, the group’s activities had largely subsided in the region. However, recent intelligence alerts suggest that efforts to revive the network may now be underway through the Neo-JMB faction.
Security agencies across multiple states have intensified surveillance on suspicious financial transactions, migrant networks and online communication channels linked to extremist groups.
Officials say that monitoring of vulnerable sectors, including plantation labour networks and undocumented migration routes, has also been strengthened. Authorities have not yet confirmed any operational terror plot but maintain that the intelligence inputs are being closely analysed to prevent any potential threat to public safety.
