Indian security agencies carried out a coordinated multi-state crackdown against the Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) on August 12, detaining 253 people across 14 states ahead of Independence Day, according to the government.

The operation was aimed at disrupting alleged plans for subversive activities around August 15. More than 80 FIRs have been registered against the network so far, while more than 200 arrests have been made under various laws, including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and legislation dealing with arms, narcotics and explosives.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the operation had dismantled what the government described as an ISI-backed network and prevented its alleged plans to carry out attacks ahead of Independence Day.

253 Detained Across 14 States

According to the government, the crackdown was conducted jointly with state police forces through a real-time intelligence-sharing mechanism.

Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of detentions at 62, followed by Haryana with 52, Delhi with 51 and Punjab with 44.

Rajasthan reported 15 detentions, while Maharashtra recorded eight and Uttarakhand five. Karnataka, Gujarat and Bihar reported three detentions each.

Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Kerala recorded two detentions each.

Fresh FIRs were also registered in Delhi and Karnataka as part of the coordinated action.

IEDs, Grenades Recovered

Security agencies also recovered weapons and surveillance equipment during the operations, according to the government.

The seized material included improvised explosive devices (IEDs), grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols and live ammunition.

Investigators also recovered CCTV cameras that the government said were allegedly being used for surveillance and espionage.

Amit Shah said the recoveries pointed towards alleged links between the network and Pakistan. The government has described SBN as a Pakistan-based terror syndicate allegedly involved in grenade, IED and petrol-bomb attacks as well as targeted killings in India.

Local Operatives Under Scanner

According to the government, the network allegedly relied on local conduits to conduct reconnaissance missions.

These operatives were allegedly tasked with monitoring police installations, defence establishments and religious sites. Authorities also alleged that members of the network paid local contacts to install CCTV cameras and gather information about potential targets.

The alleged use of local operatives is now a key focus of the investigation as agencies work to identify the wider network and determine the extent of its activities across different states.

Crackdown Ahead of August 15

The operation was launched days before Independence Day, when security agencies traditionally maintain heightened vigilance because of the potential for attacks or other disruptive activities.

The government said the August 12 action was specifically intended to disrupt activities allegedly planned around August 15.

The multi-state operation involved coordination between central security agencies and state police units, allowing authorities to act simultaneously against suspected members and associates of the network.

Government Signals Zero Tolerance

Amit Shah described the coordinated action as an example of the government's policy of “zero tolerance” towards cross-border terrorism.

The government said security agencies would continue intelligence-led operations to identify and dismantle remaining networks allegedly linked to SBN.

The crackdown also comes amid continued concerns among Indian security agencies about Pakistan-based organisations allegedly using local networks and sleeper operatives for surveillance, recruitment and attacks inside India.

Investigation Continues

With more than 80 FIRs registered and over 200 arrests made, investigators are expected to examine the alleged operational structure of the network, its local contacts and its sources of weapons and explosives.

The recovery of IEDs, grenades, firearms and surveillance equipment is likely to remain a central part of the investigation.

Authorities have said the coordinated action prevented alleged plans linked to the Independence Day period, while further operations are expected as agencies attempt to identify additional individuals connected with the network.

The government has maintained that dismantling such cross-border networks remains a key component of its broader counter-terrorism strategy.

A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court has issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed in connection with the investigation into the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, marking a significant development in one of India's most closely watched terror cases.

The warrant was issued on July 8, two days after the NIA filed a supplementary chargesheet before the Special NIA Court in Jammu, naming Saeed as an accused. The agency has charged him both in his personal capacity and as the head of the banned terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba and its proxy outfit, The Resistance Front (TRF).

Court Approves NIA Request

According to the court order, the NIA informed the court that Saeed, currently believed to be residing in Pakistan's Punjab province, has deliberately evaded arrest despite being a key accused in the case.

The agency sought an open-dated non-bailable warrant, arguing that Saeed's arrest and custodial interrogation are essential for carrying out a fair and comprehensive investigation into the terror conspiracy.

Accepting the plea, the Special Judge directed that the warrant be forwarded to the Deputy Inspector General (DIG), NIA Jammu, for execution in accordance with legal procedures.

Multiple Charges Invoked

The supplementary chargesheet invokes several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with relevant sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967.

Investigators have alleged that Saeed played a significant role in planning and supporting terrorist activities linked to the Pahalgam attack through Lashkar-e-Taiba and The Resistance Front.

Attack Claimed 26 Lives

The Pahalgam terror attack, carried out on April 22 last year, claimed the lives of 26 people, most of them tourists visiting the popular destination in south Kashmir. The incident ranks among the deadliest terror attacks in the region in recent years and triggered a massive nationwide security response.

Following the attack, the NIA took over the investigation and has since filed multiple chargesheets while expanding its probe into the alleged cross-border terror network.

Hafiz Saeed's Terror Background

Hafiz Saeed has long been designated a global terrorist by both India and the United States. He is widely regarded as the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks that killed more than 160 people.

India has repeatedly sought stronger international action against Saeed, accusing him of directing and supporting multiple terrorist operations targeting the country.

The latest court order is expected to strengthen India's legal case as investigators continue pursuing individuals allegedly involved in planning and executing the Pahalgam attack.

Investigation Continues

Officials have indicated that the supplementary chargesheet forms part of the broader investigation into the conspiracy behind the attack. The non-bailable warrant will remain an important legal instrument as the NIA pursues further proceedings against the accused.

The agency has maintained that the investigation is ongoing and additional evidence and legal action may follow as the probe progresses.

Security agencies have launched an investigation after slogans supporting Khalistan and targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi were found written inside a train coach at Ferozepur Cantonment railway station in Punjab, days before the Prime Minister's proposed visit to the state.

The incident came to light after a video purportedly showing the graffiti was circulated by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a designated terrorist and the leader of the banned separatist outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). The authenticity of the video has not been independently verified by authorities.

According to officials, the slogans were allegedly written inside a sleeper coach of a Delhi-bound train, near the toilet area. Following the emergence of the video, security agencies began reviewing CCTV footage from the railway station and surrounding areas to identify those responsible.

Security Tightened Ahead of PM Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Punjab between July 15 and July 17 for multiple official engagements. During the visit, he is expected to inaugurate the newly developed Jalandhar Cantonment railway station building and may also participate in the inauguration of four development projects in Chandigarh.

Given the upcoming visit, police and intelligence agencies have placed railway stations and other sensitive locations under heightened security. Investigators are examining surveillance footage and other evidence to establish when the slogans were written and who was involved.

Pannun Releases Video

In the video, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun referred to the legacy of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra while making several provocative remarks and attempting to mobilise supporters. He also called upon individuals to gather during the Prime Minister's proposed visit to Punjab.

The statements made in the video contain separatist rhetoric and allegations that authorities are examining as part of the investigation. Officials have not commented on the content beyond confirming that the matter is under scrutiny.

Who Was Jaswant Singh Khalra?

Jaswant Singh Khalra was a human rights activist and a former director of the Amritsar Central Cooperative Bank. He became known during the 1990s for documenting cases involving unidentified bodies allegedly cremated during Punjab's militancy period.

His research and documentation brought national and international attention to alleged custodial disappearances and encounters. Khalra himself disappeared in 1995, and his case later became the subject of legal proceedings and public debate.

His life recently returned to public discussion after the release of the film Satluj, which was based on his work. The film was subsequently removed from streaming platforms and later banned.

SFJ Remains a Banned Organisation

Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), founded in 2007 by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, advocates the creation of a separate Khalistan state through its "Referendum 2020" campaign.

The Government of India declared SFJ an unlawful organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in 2019, citing its alleged involvement in separatist activities and extremist propaganda. In July 2020, Pannun was designated an individual terrorist under the UAPA. Several websites and digital platforms associated with the organisation have also been blocked by Indian authorities.

Investigation Continues

Police officials said efforts are underway to identify those who allegedly entered the train and wrote the slogans. Investigators are analysing CCTV footage, gathering forensic evidence where possible and coordinating with intelligence agencies.

Authorities have not yet announced any arrests in the case. Security arrangements across Punjab, particularly at transportation hubs and venues linked to the Prime Minister's proposed visit, have been further strengthened as the investigation progresses.

In a landmark judgment, the Gujarat High Court on Monday upheld the Ahmedabad City Sessions Court's 2022 verdict in the 2008 Ahmedabad serial blasts case, confirming the death sentence awarded to 38 convicts and life imprisonment till the end of natural life for 11 others. The division bench dismissed all appeals filed by the convicts while also affirming the trial court's findings.

The High Court further directed the Gujarat government to ensure compensation for victims by March 31, 2027. Families of those killed in the blasts will receive ₹10 lakh each, victims who sustained grievous injuries will be paid ₹5 lakh, while those with minor injuries will receive ₹1 lakh as compensation.

High Court Confirms Trial Court Verdict

The verdict marks the culmination of a long legal battle that began after the devastating serial blasts on July 26, 2008. The Ahmedabad City Sessions Court had, on February 18, 2022, sentenced 38 convicts to death and 11 others to life imprisonment until the end of their natural lives. The Gujarat government had sought confirmation of the death penalties, while the convicted individuals challenged the judgment before the High Court.

After hearing the appeals, the High Court upheld the trial court's order in its entirety.

2008 Blasts Claimed 56 Lives

The coordinated terror attack struck Ahmedabad on the evening of July 26, 2008, when 21 bomb blasts ripped through 20 locations across the city within a span of nearly 90 minutes, between 6:15 pm and 7:45 pm.

The explosions killed 56 people and injured more than 200 others. Investigators said improvised explosive devices were planted in bicycles, buses and cars, including vehicles parked near Civil Hospital and L.G. Hospital, where several casualties were reported.

Massive Trial Spanning More Than a Decade

The trial involved 78 accused, of whom 49 were convicted and 29 acquitted. According to the prosecution, the investigation included 35 FIRs, 548 charge sheets, examination of 1,163 witnesses, and nearly 6,000 documentary and material exhibits.

The court's judgment ran into approximately 7,000 pages, while the complete case record reportedly exceeded 7.8 lakh pages, making it one of India's most extensive criminal trials.

The accused faced charges under multiple provisions of the Indian Penal Code, the Explosive Substances Act, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Information Technology Act, the Arms Act, and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.

Security Tightened Around High Court

Ahead of the verdict, authorities deployed extensive security arrangements at the Gujarat High Court. Entry to the court premises was allowed only after baggage screening, while personnel from the Crime Branch, local police, State Reserve Police (SRP), and the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad were stationed throughout the complex.

More than two dozen lawyers attended the proceedings, and security remained in place inside and outside Court No. 39, where the judgment was pronounced.

Prosecution's Case

During the trial, the prosecution alleged that several accused had attended training camps in Halol, Gujarat, and Kerala in early 2008, where they were allegedly trained in bomb-making and radicalised through extremist speeches. Investigators claimed the conspirators later executed the coordinated bomb attacks targeting crowded public places across Ahmedabad.

The investigation led to the arrest of 82 accused after police registered 20 FIRs in Ahmedabad and 15 in Surat. Officials stated that the case was substantially cracked within 19 days of the blasts.

The High Court's decision is one of the most significant judicial developments in the nearly 18-year-old terror case, reaffirming the convictions and sentences awarded by the trial court while bringing the prolonged appellate proceedings to a close.

Security agencies crack down on alleged terror network operating across Gujarat and MP; investigation into funding and recruitment continues

In a major anti-terror operation ahead of the annual Rath Yatra, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested eight suspected operatives allegedly linked to the banned terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The coordinated operation was carried out across Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh following intelligence inputs indicating efforts to expand the outfit's network in western India.

According to officials, the arrests were made during simultaneous raids conducted at multiple locations. Investigators believe the accused were actively working to strengthen the organisation's presence by recruiting individuals, circulating extremist material and maintaining contact with handlers linked to the terror outfit.

Among those arrested is Bilal Durrani, who was apprehended from Dewas district in Madhya Pradesh. Police sources said he had allegedly been living in the city's Warsi Nagar area for a considerable period without attracting attention from local authorities.

The remaining accused include Ahmed Abdullah Ghaziwala, Ibrahim Mohammad Hussain Ghagha, Mudassir Abdullah Ghaziwala, Zakariya Durrani, Mufti Fauzan, Mohammad Amin Shera and Mohammad Abdul Rehman Savdi, most of whom belong to Gujarat.

Officials said two of the accused are teenagers aged 18 and 19, while others are between their early twenties and forties. Initial investigations suggest that the suspects were allegedly operating under instructions from Jaish-e-Mohammed handlers and attempting to establish a stronger organisational base in Gujarat.

Digital evidence and alleged funding trail recovered

The ATS has reportedly recovered mobile phones containing alleged extremist literature, videos, audio recordings and handwritten notes. Investigators are examining the digital devices to determine the extent of the alleged network and identify additional contacts.

Officials also suspect the accused received financial support for their activities. Preliminary findings indicate that around ₹3 lakh may have been transferred through suspected terror-funding channels. Authorities are tracing the origin of these transactions to identify possible financiers and foreign connections.

Investigators are also scrutinising communication records, encrypted messaging applications and social media activity as part of the ongoing probe.

Operation launched ahead of Rath Yatra

The arrests assume significance as they were made just days before Gujarat's annual Rath Yatra, one of the state's largest religious processions that attracts thousands of devotees and involves extensive security arrangements every year.

Security agencies routinely intensify surveillance ahead of major public events, and officials said the operation was part of preventive measures aimed at neutralising potential security threats.

Charges under UAPA and BNS

The ATS has registered a case against all eight accused under multiple provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA), including Sections 13, 17, 18, 38 and 39, which relate to unlawful activities, terror funding, conspiracy and support to terrorist organisations.

Additional charges have also been invoked under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

All the accused remain in ATS custody and are being questioned to determine the full extent of the alleged network, recruitment activities, financial transactions and any possible links with handlers operating outside India.

Officials said further arrests cannot be ruled out as the investigation progresses.

In a major counter-terrorism operation conducted just 13 days before the annual Rath Yatra, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested eight suspected operatives allegedly linked to the banned terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The arrests were made during coordinated raids across Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh following specific intelligence inputs, officials said.

According to the ATS, the suspects were allegedly attempting to strengthen the terror organisation's network in Gujarat. Multiple ATS teams simultaneously carried out search operations at different locations, leading to the detention of all eight accused. They are currently being interrogated to determine the extent of their alleged involvement and identify any wider network or operational plans.

Officials said the action is part of heightened security measures being implemented ahead of the annual Rath Yatra, one of Gujarat's largest religious processions that attracts thousands of devotees and remains under extensive security surveillance every year.

The arrested suspects have been identified as Ahmed Abdullah Gajiwala alias Abu Ubaida (19), Ibrahim Mohammad Husen Ghagha alias Abu Hamza (30), Mudassir Abdullah Ghaziwala alias Abu Aya (22), Zakariya Durani Mohammad Ammar Ghagha alias Ibn Ammar and Zakariya Palanpuri (21), Mufti Faujan Ismail Dauwa alias Mufti Sahab (40), Mohammad Amin Shera alias Amin Palanpuri (21), Mohammad Abdul Rahman Savdi alias Mohammad Palanpuri and Abu Unisa (22), and Bilal Durani Mohammad Ammar Ghagha alias Abu Dujana, Abu Sufiyan, Abu Zundal and Umar bin Khattab (18), who hails from Dewas in Madhya Pradesh.

Investigators said the accused are being questioned over their alleged involvement in anti-national activities, recruitment efforts and suspected links with Jaish-e-Mohammed. Security agencies are also examining their communication records, financial transactions, digital devices and possible contacts with other individuals associated with extremist organisations.

The ATS has not disclosed whether the group had any immediate plans to target the Rath Yatra or any other public event. Officials maintained that the investigation is at a preliminary stage and further details will emerge after sustained interrogation and forensic examination of the seized material.

A criminal case has been registered against all eight accused under Sections 13, 17, 18, 38 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, along with Sections 148 and 61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. These provisions deal with unlawful activities, raising funds for terrorism, conspiracy, membership and support to terrorist organisations, as well as offences related to criminal conduct.

Officials said additional legal action could follow depending on the outcome of the ongoing investigation. The ATS is also coordinating with central intelligence agencies and law enforcement authorities in other states to trace any interstate or cross-border links connected to the accused.

Security agencies routinely intensify surveillance before major religious gatherings such as the Rath Yatra due to the large public participation. The latest operation is being viewed as part of preventive security measures aimed at disrupting suspected terror modules before they can establish operational capabilities.

Authorities have appealed to the public not to circulate unverified information on social media and assured that all necessary security arrangements are in place for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the upcoming Rath Yatra.

The Delhi High Court has set aside the Economic Offences Wing FIR and the Enforcement Directorate's money laundering investigation against NewsClick and its founder-editor Prabir Purkayastha, holding that the case lacked the ingredients of fraud or criminal breach of trust.

Court Grants Relief to NewsClick

The Delhi High Court has quashed the FIR filed by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) and the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) money laundering investigation in the foreign funding case involving NewsClick and its founder-editor Prabir Purkayastha.

Justice Neena Bansal Krishna, in her order, observed that the agencies had carried out extensive investigations without producing concrete evidence of fraud. The court said that even if the allegations in the FIR were accepted at face value, they did not establish offences such as cheating or criminal breach of trust.

Why the court intervened

The High Court said the EOW FIR and the ED's money laundering case did not disclose the essential ingredients of fraud or breach of trust, and that continuing the proceedings would amount to a misuse of the legal process.

The judgment described the continuation of the proceedings as a misuse of the legal process and noted that fraud requires a deceived party, which was absent in the present case.

Origin of the Foreign Funding Case

The case originated from an FIR registered by the Delhi Police in August 2020. Investigators alleged that NewsClick received foreign direct investment (FDI) worth ₹9.59 crore from an American company, Worldwide Media Holdings LLC.

Authorities questioned the valuation of shares, claiming that shares with a face value of ₹10 were issued at a premium of ₹11,510 per share despite the company not being profitable. Investigators alleged that the structure was designed to bypass the 26% FDI cap applicable to Indian media organisations.

Following the FIR, the ED conducted searches at the offices of NewsClick, as well as at premises linked to directors and shareholders under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Officials seized foreign currency, documents and digital devices during the raids.

The ED later stated that NewsClick had received ₹38.05 crore in foreign funds over three years, including ₹9.59 crore through FDI and ₹28.46 crore classified as export of services revenue.

Parallel Investigations and UAPA Case

The controversy widened in 2023 after BJP MP Nishikant Dubey referred to a New York Times report in Parliament and alleged that some journalists were involved in spreading Chinese propaganda. Union Minister Anurag Thakur also publicly alleged links between businessman Neville Roy Singham and entities associated with NewsClick.

On August 17, 2023, the Delhi Police Special Cell registered a separate case against NewsClick under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and sections of the Indian Penal Code relating to promoting enmity and criminal conspiracy.

Purkayastha was arrested on October 3, 2023, in connection with that case. The Special Cell questioned 46 individuals and conducted searches at 31 locations linked to NewsClick and journalists associated with the platform. An 8,000-page chargesheet was filed in March 2024.

Multiple Agencies Involved

NewsClick is operated by PPK NewsClick Studio Private Limited and was founded by Purkayastha in 2009.

Over the course of the investigation, multiple agencies became involved, including the Delhi Police Special Cell, the EOW, the Income Tax Department, the ED and the CBI, each examining different aspects of the allegations related to foreign funding and compliance.

Implications of the High Court Order

The Delhi High Court's decision effectively ends the EOW FIR and the ED's related money laundering proceedings against NewsClick and Purkayastha. The court's observations on arbitrary action and the absence of evidence of fraud are likely to be closely examined in future disputes involving financial investigations and media organisations.

The order does not automatically dispose of other proceedings, including the separate UAPA case being pursued by the Delhi Police Special Cell.

Pulwama Mastermind Hamza Burhan Killed in PoK: Unidentified Attackers Open Fire in Muzaffarabad

UAPA-designated terrorist linked to 2019 Pulwama attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel shot dead outside AIMS College

Killed in Muzaffarabad

Hamza Burhan, a key conspirator behind the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, was shot dead by unidentified attackers in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's Muzaffarabad late on Tuesday evening. The incident took place outside AIMS College, where multiple gunshots were fired at the 23-year-old terrorist, killing him on the spot. Local sources confirmed that the attackers fled the scene immediately after the assault.

UAPA Designation Since 2022

India had officially declared Burhan a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in 2022. Originally identified as Arjumand Gulzar Dar, he was a resident of Ratnipora in Pulwama district. Government records show he had legally travelled to Pakistan before joining Al Badr, a banned terrorist organisation, where he eventually rose to become a commander.

The Pulwama Link

Investigating agencies have long believed Burhan played a significant role in orchestrating the February 14, 2019 Pulwama attack, which claimed the lives of 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel. The attack, carried out by a suicide bomber driving an explosive-laden vehicle, had pushed India-Pakistan tensions to the brink of conflict.

Travel to Pakistan

According to government documents, Burhan had initially travelled to Pakistan through legal channels. Once across the border, he reportedly established connections with multiple terror outfits and became actively involved in recruitment and funding operations. Sources familiar with the matter said he was operating from Pakistani territory for several years while maintaining ties with terror groups active in the Kashmir Valley.

Accused of Recruitment and Fundraising

Agencies had linked Burhan to several incidents, including the recovery of explosives in Pulwama, a grenade attack on CRPF personnel on November 18, 2020, and efforts to radicalise and recruit local youth into militant ranks. He was also known as a close associate of slain terrorists Abu Dujana, Abu Qasim, Burhan Wani, and Zakir Musa.

Unanswered Questions

The identity of the attackers remains unclear, and no group has claimed responsibility for the killing so far. Local authorities in PoK have not issued an official statement regarding the incident. While some analysts suggest internal rivalries among militant factions, others point to the possibility of targeted operations. Indian security establishment is closely monitoring the situation.

NIA Files 7,500-Page Chargesheet in Red Fort Car Blast Case, Names 10 Accused

Probe agency says deceased mastermind Dr Umer Un Nabi led Al-Qaida-linked module that plotted to overthrow government

The National Investigation Agency has submitted a massive 7,500-page chargesheet before a special court in connection with the Red Fort car bomb explosion that claimed 11 lives in the national capital last November. Ten individuals have been named as accused, including a former medical professor who died in the blast itself.

Mastermind Never Made It to Court

Dr Umer Un Nabi, described by investigators as the key conspirator, was killed during the 10 November 2025 attack. A former assistant professor of medicine at Al-Falah University, he was among several radicalised medical professionals allegedly involved in plotting what the agency calls "Operation Heavenly Hind".

The other nine accused include Aamir Rashid Mir, Jasir Bilal Wani, Dr Muzamil Shakeel, Dr Adeel Ahmed Rather, Dr Shaheen Saeed, Mufti Irfan Ahmad Wagay, Soyab, Dr Bilal Naseer Malla and Yasir Ahmad Dar.

Terror Outfit Link Established

According to the agency, all accused were associated with Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, an offshoot of Al-Qaida in the Indian Subcontinent. The chargesheet was filed at Patiala House Courts under multiple legal provisions including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Sources familiar with the matter said investigators worked extensively to establish the group's operational network across half a dozen states.

Probe Spanned Six States

The investigation covered Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and the Delhi-NCR region. The case file contains 588 witness statements, more than 395 documents and over 200 material exhibits.

Officials said the accused had regrouped in Srinagar back in 2022 after failing to reach Afghanistan via Turkey. It was at this meeting that they allegedly revived the outfit under the name "AGuH Interim".

Conspiracy to Overthrow Government

The NIA has alleged that the conspiracy was aimed at removing India's democratically elected government and imposing Sharia rule. Investigators claim the group actively recruited members, spread extremist ideology and stockpiled weapons.

What has alarmed security agencies is the level of technical sophistication. The explosive used in the attack was triacetone triperoxide, a highly volatile substance that the accused allegedly manufactured after procuring precursor chemicals and conducting repeated experiments.

Weapons and Drone Tests

The agency further claimed the group procured prohibited weapons including an AK-47 rifle, a Krinkov rifle and country-made pistols. Perhaps more concerning, they allegedly experimented with rocket-mounted and drone-borne improvised explosive devices intended for strikes on security installations in Jammu and Kashmir and elsewhere.

Specialised laboratory equipment, including MMO anodes, electric circuits and switches, was purchased through both online and offline sources, investigators said.

So far, 11 people have been arrested in connection with the case. The NIA said efforts are continuing to locate additional suspects whose alleged roles emerged during the investigation.

In a landmark ruling on January 5, 2026, the Supreme Court of India denied bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi Riots case, while significantly expanding the UAPA terrorist act definition.

This decision not only prolongs their detention but also redefines terrorism under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), shifting focus from mere physical acts to intent and impact. As debates on civil liberties intensify amid rising protests, this judgment underscores the tension between national security and democratic dissent.

Background of the Delhi Riots Case

The 2020 Delhi Riots erupted in Northeast Delhi during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), coinciding with then-US President Donald Trump's visit. Over 50 people died, with widespread arson, stone-pelting, and road blockages disrupting public order. The prosecution alleged a larger conspiracy, charging several under UAPA—India's stringent anti-terror law.

Out of seven accused, five received bail, but Khalid and Imam were denied. The court distinguished their roles: Khalid and Imam as ideological drivers, organizers, and mobilizers, while others played peripheral logistical parts. This highlights UAPA's emphasis on intent and conspiracy over direct violence.

The Supreme Court's Key Decision

UAPA's Section 43D(5) makes bail rare if accusations appear prima facie true. Unlike the Indian Penal Code (now replaced), where bail is the rule, UAPA presumes threat over liberty. The court upheld this, noting credible evidence against Khalid and Imam without needing a full trial.

Experts like constitutional lawyer Prashant Bhushan (simulated perspective) argue this risks turning UAPA into pre-trial punishment. "Prolonged detention without speedy trials violates Article 21's right to life and liberty," he might say. Yet, supporters, including legal analyst Vikram Hegde, praise it for addressing modern threats: "Terrorism evolves; laws must too."

Expanding the UAPA Terrorist Act Definition

Traditionally, terrorism under UAPA Section 15 meant bombs, guns, or armed attacks threatening India's unity, integrity, or public fear. The Supreme Court broadened this, interpreting "any other means of whatever nature" to include non-violent acts if they destabilize society.

In this case, roadblocks, coordinated protests, and speeches were deemed terrorist acts for paralyzing the city and inciting fear. This expansion means intent and societal impact now suffice, even without explosives or firearms.

Practical takeaways:

- For activists: Document protests peacefully to avoid conspiracy charges.

- For citizens: Understand UAPA's bail hurdles; push for judicial reforms via petitions.

- For lawmakers: Balance security with rights to prevent misuse.

Implications for Civil Rights and Future Protests

This ruling is a turning point, making UAPA conspiracy charges easier in dissent cases. Critics fear it could criminalize any protest causing disruption, elasticizing the UAPA terrorist act definition and chilling free speech. Supporters counter that hybrid threats—like online mobilization—demand updated laws to protect national integrity.

As India grapples with cultural and political divides, this decision matters now amid ongoing debates on CAA and similar laws. It reminds us: Democracy thrives on dissent, but unchecked chaos invites scrutiny.

In conclusion, while safeguarding security, the Supreme Court must ensure UAPA doesn't stifle voices. For readers preparing for exams or civic engagement, grasp this: Laws evolve, but rights endure. Stay informed—your liberty depends on it.

JNU Campus in Fresh Turmoil as Supreme Court Verdict Sparks Protests and FIR Call

The campus of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) became a fresh flashpoint on Tuesday after a video surfaced showing students raising strong slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

The incident, which has triggered a formal police complaint from the university administration, is directly linked to the Supreme Court’s recent rejection of bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case.

The university’s Chief Security Officer has written to the Delhi Police, requesting the registration of an FIR concerning “objectionable and provocative slogans” raised outside a hostel. The 35-second viral clip captures chants of “Modi, Shah ki qabr khudegi, JNU ki dharti par” (The grave of Modi and Shah will be dug on JNU’s land).

A Protest Rooted in Legal and Historical Grievances

Student organizers present a different context. JNU Students’ Union President Aditi Mishra stated the gathering was to mark the anniversary of the January 5, 2020, campus violence, where masked attackers injured dozens. She claimed the slogans were “ideological” and not a personal attack.

However, the timing points squarely at the Supreme Court bail rejection a day earlier. The Court denied relief to Khalid and Imam while granting bail to five others, stating the two could not file a fresh bail plea for a year. The accused have been jailed for over five years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Congress leader Udit Raj amplified this view, calling the slogans an “expression of anger” against the verdict, which he termed “unfortunate” and suggested bias.

The Lingering Shadow of January 2020

The current friction is inextricably tied to the unresolved trauma of the 2020 JNU violence. Students recall the hours-long attack on hostels, which left then-JNUSU President Aishe Ghosh and others injured. Many on campus still perceive a lack of accountability for the perpetrators, fueling perennial anger that reignites around the anniversary.

Delhi Police’s Stance and Next Steps

As of now, a senior police officer has confirmed no formal complaint has been received regarding the slogans, despite the university’s letter. This puts the ball in the investigators’ court, deciding whether to act on the administration’s request and potentially open a new front of legal engagement with protesting students.

Why This Matters Now

This episode is more than a campus skirmish. It highlights the intense friction where campus activism, historical grievances, and high-stakes legal battles under stringent laws like UAPA intersect. The JNU protests serve as a barometer for national debates on free speech, dissent, and the long shadow of the Delhi riots cases.

With legal doors shut for a year for key accused, and a university seeking police action against its own students, these tensions show no sign of abating, ensuring JNU remains a potent symbol in India’s socio-political landscape.