New Delhi, September 30, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has uncovered an alleged cross-border terror conspiracy involving the Bangladesh-linked group Imam Mahmuder Kafila (IMK), which was reportedly planning to expand its radicalisation and terror networks from Assam and West Bengal into Kerala and other parts of South India.
The IMK surfaced during an investigation into a radicalisation case originating in Assam, with investigators identifying alleged links to West Bengal and Kerala. Intelligence assessments have linked the outfit to Jamaat-ul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), a proscribed terrorist organisation in India that has previously been associated with terror modules in Assam and West Bengal.
According to intelligence officials, the IMK was established in 2018, although its activities remained relatively subdued initially. The organisation is allegedly headed by Jewel Mahmud, also known as Imam Mahmud Habibullah, who is believed to have played a role in establishing its regional wings in Assam and West Bengal.
An Intelligence Bureau official said the NIA operation had brought to light the group’s alleged efforts to establish a presence in Kerala.
Officials said Bangladesh-based extremist organisations were gradually attempting to shift some of their operations towards southern India. They attributed this alleged shift to increased scrutiny of suspected illegal immigration networks in West Bengal and the northeastern states, as well as employment opportunities in construction and plantation sectors in southern states.
Another official alleged that the JMB had specifically tasked the IMK with establishing terror modules in Assam, West Bengal and Kerala, with plans to subsequently extend its activities to other parts of South India. The official also described the JMB as a proxy of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
Investigators have reportedly identified a multilayered operational structure with alleged coordination originating in Bangladesh. According to officials, the JMB had selected individuals identified as Khalid and Umar to coordinate with operatives of the IMK, with the arrangement intended to keep the Bangladesh-based handlers at a distance from activities on Indian soil.
Khalid and Umar allegedly coordinated operations from Bangladesh and remained in contact with Nasimuddin, alias Tamim, a resident of Barpeta Road in Assam. He was reportedly responsible for recruiting members for the alleged terror module and overseeing individuals involved in radicalisation activities.
In Tripura, an operative identified as Jagir Mia was allegedly assigned responsibility for recruitment and radicalisation under instructions from Bangladesh-based handlers.
Officials said the IMK-operated network used the name Purba Akash for its activities in India. The group allegedly used the identity to circulate violent jihadi propaganda and encourage recruits to advocate Ghazwa-e-Hind, an extremist ideological concept associated with a purported war against India.
The investigation has also brought attention to the alleged funding structure of the network. According to officials, the IMK’s modules in Assam and Tripura relied on decentralised financing rather than large-scale funding arrangements. Small contributions collected in villages were reportedly used to support activities, with a similar funding mechanism allegedly being planned for the proposed expansion into South India.
Officials said the alleged conspiracy involved two phases. The initial plan was to establish terror and radicalisation modules in Assam, West Bengal and Kerala, followed by an expansion into other southern states. The second phase reportedly envisaged recruiting undocumented Bangladeshi nationals living in southern India into the network.
Investigators are examining the alleged links between the regional operatives and Bangladesh-based handlers, as well as the group’s recruitment, radicalisation and funding mechanisms.
The NIA investigation has brought the alleged activities of the IMK and its suspected connections with the JMB under scrutiny, particularly in relation to the proposed expansion of extremist networks beyond India’s northeastern region.
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