LeT Recruitment Case: Syed M. Idris Sentenced to 10 Years Rigorous Imprisonment by NIA Court

In a significant ruling against terrorism-related activities, a special court of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday sentenced Syed M. Idris to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of ₹70,000. The case involves the recruitment and radicalization of Muslim youth in West Bengal for the Pakistan-based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

Details of the Conviction

According to an official NIA press release, the Kolkata-based NIA special court found Idris, a resident of Uttara Kannada, Karnataka, guilty under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The sentences have been ordered to run consecutively, reflecting the severity of the offenses.

The case dates back to April 2020, when the NIA took over the investigation from the West Bengal Police. During the probe, Idris was arrested along with Altaf Ahmed Rather from Jammu & Kashmir. The investigation revealed that the duo conspired with Tania Parveen to recruit local youth and establish a module for Lashkar-e-Taiba in India.

Materials Seized and Radicalization Efforts

Earlier in March 2020, Tania Parveen had been arrested by the West Bengal STF in Baduria, North 24 Parganas, based on credible intelligence. The raid led to the seizure of jihadi literature and other objectionable material. NIA’s probe further revealed that social media platforms were being used to radicalize youth and incite them to engage in jihad against the Indian government, linking the network directly to LeT in Pakistan.

Additional Accused and Legal Proceedings

The NIA filed charge sheets in September 2020 and May 2021 against three arrested individuals, along with two absconding Pakistan-based accused identified as Ayesha (alias Ayesha Burhan / Syed Ayesha Siddiqui) and Bilal (alias Bilal Durani). Red Corner and Blue Corner notices have been issued against the absconding suspects.

The agency stated that proceedings against the other two arrested individuals are ongoing and emphasized that strict action will continue against networks involved in terrorism, recruitment, and radicalization activities.

This verdict underscores NIA’s stringent measures against terror recruitment and radicalization within India, reinforcing the government’s commitment to national security.