Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh’s ongoing crackdown against terrorism has received another boost after a Special NIA Court has sentenced Rakib Imam Ansari to five years imprisonment. The court also imposed a Rs 6,000 fine after Rakib pleaded guilty to the charges during the trial. As per the prosecution, Rakib Imam Ansari was in contact with alleged ISIS operatives Shah Nawaz and Rizwan Ali.
The history of the case dates back to November 3, 2023, when the UP ATS registered an FIR at its Lucknow police station following intelligence gathered during an investigation involving absconding ISIS suspects Shah Nawaz and Rizwan Ali. According to investigators, both men were active ISIS members who had allegedly established contact with several individuals linked to Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), including youths from Chhattisgarh. During the probe, ATS officials also found that Rakib Imam Ansari was also allegedly in touch with the two accused.
The prosecution told the court that Rakib was part of a network that allegedly promoted ISIS ideology and attempted to expand the organisation’s influence in India. Investigators alleged that the group was involved in recruiting new members, they were encouraging extremist activities, and also motivating individuals to support violent jihad. According to the investigation done, the accused were trying to recruit more people, encourage jihadist activities, work against the Government of India, promote Sharia law through illegal means, and arrange weapons as well.
Over the past few years, the UP ATS under CM Yogi’s leadership has intensified its surveillance on suspected radicalisation modules, online extremist propaganda, and terror financing networks. Security agencies have also conducted multiple operations that target alleged ISIS-inspired modules operating across different parts of India.
The conviction of Rakib Imam Ansari shows that the Yogi government is taking action not only against terrorists but also against those who are accused of supporting terror organisations.
