Assam police, NIA nab 10 suspects in JeM terror conspiracy case

Guwahati: In a joint operation, Assam Police and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested ten people in Goalpara and Hojai districts in connection with a terror conspiracy case linked to the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) militant group, police said.

The suspects were apprehended during raids conducted at multiple locations in Hojai and Goalpara districts. All ten individuals are currently in NIA custody.

Assam Police said it had carried out a joint operation with the NIA at multiple locations in Goalpara and Hojai districts, resulting in the apprehension of 10 suspects.

“All are currently in NIA custody. The investigation and legal procedures are ongoing,” said statement.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma claimed that the arrests proved the growing threat posed by Islamic fundamentalist elements in Assam.

He noted that the state has consistently been represented in nationwide NIA raids, indicating the presence of extremist activities within the region.

Sarma expressed concerns about the increasing influence of radical Islamic ideology in Assam, warning that it could lead to significant uncertainty for the state's indigenous population in the coming years.

However, the NIA clarified that only one person, Sheikh Sultan Salah Uddin Ayubi alias Ayubi, was taken into custody following searches at 26 locations across India.

“The accused was arrested on account of his incriminatory role in the conspiracy case…He will be produced before the NIA Special Court, Patiala House, New Delhi. In addition, several other suspects have also been rounded up for questioning,” the NIA said in a statement.