The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has initiated a new investigation against six individuals, including two brothers and their father, previously arrested in Chennai for alleged links to the Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HuT) organization.
The NIA's First Information Report (FIR) accuses the individuals of conducting secret meetings aimed at propagating the HuT's ideology and establishing "Islamic rule" in India.
Background
The Chennai police initially arrested the six suspects on May 25th under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), following information received from central agencies. The Union Home Ministry subsequently directed the NIA to take over the investigation, leading to the registration of the new FIR on July 25th.Allegations and Charges
The FIR accuses the group's alleged leader, Dr. Hameed Hussain, of organizing secret meetings and running a campaign throughout Tamil Nadu to promote the establishment of an "Islamic rule" in India.The NIA claims these activities aim to divide the people and undermine the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The FIR also names Hussain's brother, father, and three other associates as co-conspirators.
The accused are charged under Section 153B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for imputations prejudicial to national integration and Section 13 of the UAPA for advocating unlawful activities. Sources indicate that Hussain had uploaded videos on social media promoting the caliphate and criticizing the electoral process.
Previous Investigation
This fresh FIR follows a previous investigation by the NIA into HuT activities in Bhopal last year, which resulted in charges being filed against seventeen individuals.The NIA's spokesperson stated that the earlier investigation revealed the HuT's clandestine recruitment and training activities in Madhya Pradesh, including weapons training and plans to attack police personnel and individuals from different communities.
Implications
The registration of the new FIR against the alleged HuT sympathizers in Chennai highlights the ongoing concern regarding the organization's activities in India.The NIA's investigation will likely focus on uncovering the extent of the group's network and its potential plans to disrupt national security and communal harmony.
The case also underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in combating radical ideologies and preventing acts of violence.
Open Source Information
Hizb-ut-Tahrir is an international pan-Islamist organization that advocates for the establishment of a global caliphate governed by Sharia law.It has been banned in several countries, including Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Germany, Russia, and Turkey, due to concerns about its extremist ideology and potential for violence. However, the organization maintains that it pursues its goals through non-violent means, such as political activism and education.
The NIA's investigation will shed further light on the activities of the alleged HuT sympathizers in Chennai and their connection to the larger organization. The outcome of the investigation will be crucial in determining the extent of the threat posed by the HuT in India and the measures needed to counter its influence.
