2 imams arrested for link with AQIS in Goalpara district

A CORRESPONDENT 

GOALPARA: The Goalpara district police on Saturday arrested two persons, both imams of mosques, for links with the jihadi group Al Qaeda in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). Of the arrested duo, Abdus Subhan is the imam of the Tinkonia Shantipur Masjid under the Mornoi Police Station while Jalaluddin Sheikh is the imam of the Tilapara Natun Masjid under the Matia Police Station.

"Two persons have been arrested today evening by Goalpara DEF on the basis of input regarding their involvement with Al Qaeda in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS)," informed a press release by the Goalpara district police.

"During interrogation, it was revealed that they organized a Dharma Sabha in December, 2019 at Sundarpur Tilapara Madrassa, under Matia Police Station, where many Bangladeshi nationals with linkages to AQIS were invited as guest speakers. They were involved in providing logistic support to, as well as sheltering now-absconding Bangladeshi nationals. They confessed being members of AQIS and recruited Ansars or Sleeper Cells.

"Also, their active linkages have been found with Barpeta and Morigaon modules of AQIS/Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT).

"During house searches of the above accused persons, a lot of incriminating material related to AQIS, jihadi literature, posters, books among other documents were seized along with mobile phones, SIM cards and ID cards."

The press release added that a case has been registered at the Matia Police Station (No 105/22 u/s 120(B)/121/121 (A) IPC RW Section 18/18 (B)/19/20 UA(P) Act) and the matter is being investigated.

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