West Bengal STF Nabs JMB Suspects in Birbhum

Two individuals, believed to be part of the banned outfit Jamatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), were apprehended by the Special Task Force of West Bengal Police in the Birbhum district, according to a senior official on Friday.

The arrests of Ajmol Hossain and Saheb Ali Khan occurred in the Nalhati and Murarai areas during the intervening night of May 8 and 9. Both are accused of disseminating JMB ideology through sophisticated encrypted mediums to recruit and inspire Muslim youths towards jihadist activities against India.

Investigations are ongoing to determine if the duo, alongside accomplices, attempted to acquire firearms and explosives. The suspects appeared before the Assistant Chief Judicial Magistrate's court in Rampurhat, facing a request for 14-day police custody. Due to the late hour, they were placed in one-day judicial custody, with a custody hearing scheduled for the following day, as stated by Assistant Public Prosecutor Saikat Hati.

(With inputs from agencies.)