India’s NIA Arrests 13 in JMB-Linked Terror Investigation Across Three States

New Delhi (Terror Monitor) — India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested 13 people during a major crackdown on an alleged extremist network linked to the banned Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and its alleged affiliate, Imam Mahmuder Kafila (IMK).

The arrests were made during searches at multiple locations in Assam, West Bengal and Kerala as part of an investigation into an alleged cross-border radicalisation and recruitment network, according to the NIA and Indian media reports.

Of the 13 people arrested, six were detained in Assam, four in West Bengal and one in Kerala, while additional arrests were reported in connection with the wider investigation. Authorities also seized electronic devices, documents, pen drives and memory cards during the searches.

The NIA alleges that the network was operating from Bangladesh and attempting to expand its activities in India, particularly in Assam, other northeastern states and West Bengal. Investigators accuse the group of targeting young people for ideological radicalisation and recruitment.

According to the agency, the alleged network used a digital platform called “Purva Akash” to reach potential recruits and circulate extremist material. Investigators have also alleged that the network promoted extremist narratives, including references to “Ghazwat-ul-Hind.”

The allegations have been made by Indian investigators as part of an ongoing criminal case and have not been independently established in court.

Earlier arrests and chargesheet

The investigation dates back to December 2025, when Indian authorities arrested suspects in connection with an alleged JMB-linked radicalisation network operating across several states.

The NIA subsequently took over the case and expanded the investigation into alleged links between the suspects in India and Bangladesh-based operatives.

On June 25, 2026, the agency filed a chargesheet against 11 accused before the NIA Special Court in Guwahati. The accused were charged under provisions of India’s Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The NIA alleges that the network sought to establish an organisational presence in India through clandestine meetings, ideological indoctrination, online propaganda and recruitment efforts.

Cross-border links under investigation

Indian investigators are examining suspected links between the alleged network and Bangladesh-based JMB operatives. Authorities say the investigation is focused not only on the identities of those already arrested but also on the wider recruitment structure, communication channels and financial or logistical links allegedly supporting the network.

The latest operation involved coordinated searches in several states, highlighting the NIA’s efforts to trace what it describes as an interstate and cross-border extremist network.

The agency has said that further investigation is underway and that additional suspects and links may emerge as investigators examine the electronic devices and other material seized during the searches.

The arrested individuals will face judicial proceedings under Indian law, and the allegations against them remain subject to the outcome of the courts.