The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against three operatives of the banned terrorist organisation Hizb ut-Tahrir (HuT) for allegedly conspiring to establish an Islamic Caliphate in India, the agency said in an official statement on August 1.
The accused — Kabeer Ahmed Aliyar, Aziz Ahamed, and Bava Bahrudeen alias Mannai Bava — have been booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
What are the charges against the HuT operatives?
According to the NIA, the trio conspired with HuT leadership to propagate extremist ideology and raise funds from foreign and domestic sources to fuel their activities.
“The accused had entered into a criminal conspiracy with HuT office-bearers to establish an Islamic Caliphate in India by seeking military assistance from forces inimical to the country, including the Pakistan Army,” the NIA said.
Investigations revealed that the trio aimed to garner support through Haj and Umrah travellers. They were also found actively recruiting vulnerable youth into the fold of HuT via secret bayan (sermon) classes, which promoted radical teachings in line with the group’s agenda.
The NIA further stated that the accused had organised exhibitions showcasing the military strength of Islamic nations such as Iran, Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan. The objective, it said, was to inspire militant overthrow of India’s democratically elected government by inciting violent jihad.
What does HuT seek to achieve in India?
HuT, founded by Taqi al-Din al-Nabhani, was officially banned by the Indian government in October 2023, including all its front organisations. The group’s ideology seeks to replace democratic governments with a pan-Islamic caliphate governed by Sharia law.
The charges highlight an alarming attempt to destabilise national security through foreign collaboration and radicalisation efforts within India. The NIA’s crackdown underscores the agency’s ongoing vigilance against global terror networks operating on Indian soil.