3 hrs ago
NIA Alleges Bengal Imam Recruited and Brainwashed Terror Operatives
The National Investigation Agency arrested Piyar Mohammad Sheikh, a mosque imam in East Burdwan.
The agency says he may have helped a banned group rebuild its network.
Investigators believe the group used the name Imam Mahmood Kafila.
They allege Sheikh taught classes that secretly encouraged new recruits to join the group.
They also say he worked in West Bengal, Assam and Tripura.
The alleged network reportedly recruited young people and migrant workers.
Sheikh’s family says he is innocent.
His son says Sheikh visited Bangladesh for only nine days for a Tablighi Jamaat gathering.
Investigators are examining documents, movements and possible funding connected to the case.
The National Investigation Agency arrested Piyar Mohammad Sheikh in East Burdwan over alleged terror links.
Investigators suspect Sheikh operated as a West Bengal representative of Imam Mahmood Kafila, described as a new JMB avatar.
The NIA alleges he conducted religious indoctrination classes for nearly three years in West Bengal, Assam and Tripura.
Investigators say the alleged network recruited youths and migrant workers while using social networks and encrypted applications.
Sheikh’s family denies the allegations, saying his only Bangladesh visit was for a Tablighi Jamaat gathering.
- Who
- The National Investigation Agency arrested Piyar Mohammad Sheikh, whom investigators allege was linked to Imam Mahmood Kafila and Jamat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh.
- What
- Sheikh was arrested over alleged terror links and suspected recruitment and indoctrination activities.
- Where
- Sheikh was arrested in East Burdwan, West Bengal; investigators say alleged activities extended to Assam and Tripura.
- When
- The arrest was reported days before the investigation described in the article; his Bangladesh trip occurred from 18 to 26 June 2025.
- Why
- The NIA suspects Sheikh helped rebuild a terror network by recruiting and indoctrinating youths and migrant workers.
NIA’s Allegations
Family’s Denial
Sheikh’s alleged role
NIA’s Allegations
The NIA alleges Sheikh operated for Imam Mahmood Kafila, conducted indoctrination classes and helped expand a JMB-linked network.
Family’s Denial
Sheikh’s family says he is innocent and rejects the suggestion that his religious activities were connected to terrorism.
Bangladesh travel and absence
NIA’s Allegations
Investigators noted that Sheikh was reportedly absent from mosque duties for nearly two and a half months and suspected he may have later crossed the border illegally.
Family’s Denial
His son said Sheikh received a Bangladesh visa and made only a brief nine-day visit for Tablighi Jamaat.
Key facts
- Accused
- Piyar Mohammad Sheikh, a veteran imam associated with Palishgram mosque
- Investigating agency
- National Investigation Agency
- Alleged organization
- Imam Mahmood Kafila, described by investigators as a new JMB avatar
- Alleged role
- Conducting indoctrination classes and helping recruit youths and migrant workers
- Reported operating area
- West Bengal, Assam and Tripura
- Bangladesh visit
- Sheikh’s son said he traveled from 18 to 26 June 2025, a nine-day trip
- Investigation status
- Documents, movements and alleged funding channels were being examined
Quotes
A senior NIA officer
NIA officer discussing the agency’s allegations
“For nearly three years he held indoctrination classes not just in Bengal but also in Assam and Tripura. The outfit’s first target was Assam, where it aimed to spread roots in every district.”
thestatesman.com
“My father’s passport was issued in September 2024. He got a one-year Bangladesh visa on 20 May, 2025, and made a brief 9 days trip between 18 to 26 June, last year.”
thestatesman.com
Sources
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