The National Investigation Agency (NIA) files a second charge sheet against Indian Mujahideen (IM) co-founder Yasin Bhatkal and three others for planning terror strikes in India
New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday filed a second charge sheet against Indian Mujahideen (IM) co-founder Yasin Bhatkal and three others for planning terror strikes in India.
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Protesters burn posters of Indian Mujahideen founder Yasin Bhatkal in Bangalaore. Pic: AFP
The NIA charge sheeted Bhatkal, Asadullah Akhtar, Manzar Imam and U.Ahmed for their alleged role in the conspiracy and participation in major terrorist attacks at different parts in the country.
It was the second charge sheet filed in the case, registered on Sep 10, 2012 against members of IM for carrying out terrorist activities and conspiracy for waging war against the country.
The NIA said that Bhatkal with other IM operatives were allegedly involved in major bomb blast incidents in Hyderabad (2007), Jaipur (2008), Delhi (2008), Ahmedabad and Surat (2008), German Bakery in Pune (2010), Chinnaswami Stadium, Bangalore (2010), Jama Masjid in Delhi (2010), Sheetlaghat (2010), Mumbai (2011) and Dilsukhnagar in Hyderabad (2013).
Bhatkal and Akhtar have been charged for their role in conspiracy for waging war against the country, conspiracy for terrorist acts, membership of a terrorist organisation, radicalisation and recruitment of youth into a terrorist organisation and for raising funds for the IM.
Imam and Ahmed, both hailing from Ranchi have been charged for their role in the conspiracy to commit terrorist acts by the IM, for harbouring IM terrorists, for membership of the terrorist organisation and for giving support and raising funds for the terrorist organisation.
The chargesheet was filed before District Judge I.S. Mehta at Patiala House court here. The court has posted the consideration on the charge sheet for Feb 24.
"Yasin Bhatkal was one of the most important member of IM who was involved in planning and execution of large number of blast cases in which more than 150 people were killed. He has very strong Jihadi mindset and involved in identifying, motivating, recruiting and training several youths in causing bomb blasts in the name of Jihad," the NIA argued.
The NIA said that Bhatkal was instrumental in developing bases in Darbhanga and Samstipur (Bihar), Ranchi, Goa and Mangalore (Karnataka). He had received training in Pakistan for 60 days.
Akhtar was closely associated with Bhatkal for more than six years in all terror attacks and was arrested alongwith him. Both of them carried a reward of Rs.10 lakh each at the time of their arrest in August 2013, the NIA informed court.
"The arduous and painstaking investigation involved travelling across the country by investigators to uncover their hideouts and recovery of incriminating materials, recording of statements of witnesses - many of whom had given them shelter, analysis of records of money transfer across the globe and analysis of voluminous internet based communication to unearth the complex web spun by the main conspirators, to cover and conceal their conspiracy," the NIA said in a statement.
In July 2013, the NIA had charge sheeted five cadres of IM-Mohammad Danish Ansari, Mohammad Aftab Alam, Imran Khan, Syed Maqbool and Obaid-ur-Rehman under various provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Indian Penal Code for conspiracy to commit offences against the state.
Imam and Ahmed were arrested in October 2013.
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