Court Sentences Two Hyderabad Youths to Five Years in Prison for ISIS Involvement
In a recent development, a special court in Delhi that handles cases investigated by the National Investigative Agency (NIA) has delivered a verdict in the case involving two young individuals from Hyderabad. The court found Abdullah Basith and Abdul Qadeer, residents of Chandrayangutta in Hyderabad, guilty of working for the global terrorist organization ISIS. The duo was arrested by the NIA in August 2018 and has now been sentenced to five years of imprisonment. This article delves into the details of the case, highlighting their involvement, the modus operandi, and the court’s verdict.
Arrest and Charges
Abdullah Basith and Abdul Qadeer were apprehended by the NIA in 2018 on suspicions of their affiliation with ISIS. The court’s ruling comes after a comprehensive investigation, during which the NIA established that the two youths were actively engaged in furthering the objectives of ISIS within India. The charges against them include promoting the terrorist organization’s agenda and contributing to its expansion within the country.
Involvement in the Abu Dhabi Module
The duo’s association with the Abu Dhabi module, a network that operated from the United Arab Emirates, played a pivotal role in their conviction. The NIA’s investigation revealed that prime suspects operating from Abu Dhabi had radicalized Basith and introduced him to the network. Basith, an engineering dropout, was not only radicalized but also actively participated in propagating ISIS ideology within India.
Basith’s Role in Radicalization
Basith’s involvement went beyond mere ideological promotion. He managed to radicalize and persuade his acquaintances to join ISIS, collecting funds from accomplices such as Adnan Hussain and others. He used these funds to facilitate the acquisition of visas and passports for radicalized individuals, demonstrating a deep level of involvement in the network’s activities. Moreover, Basith organized meetings with associates, a crucial step in strengthening and expanding ISIS’s influence in India.
Qadeer’s Connection and Involvement
Mohammed Abdul Qadeer, the other accused, became involved in the conspiracy after watching an interview with Basith on television in May 2017. Qadeer openly professed his support for ISIS and joined Basith’s efforts in promoting the organization’s ideology. He attended various meetings organized by Basith, displaying his commitment to the cause. Qadeer’s case highlights how the reach of extremist ideologies can extend to individuals who are exposed to radical content.
The Abu Dhabi Module’s Operations
The Abu Dhabi module’s masterminds, Sheikh Azhar Al Islam Sattar Sheikh, Mohammed Farhan Mohammed Rafiq Shaikh, and Adnan Hussain, all Indian nationals residing in Dubai, played a significant role in identifying, motivating, and radicalizing Indian Muslim youth. They exploited social media platforms to recruit susceptible individuals, both within and outside India, with the intention of involving them in terrorist activities. In 2017, these individuals were convicted and sentenced to seven years in prison for their involvement in ISIS.
The special court’s ruling sends a strong message about the Indian judiciary’s commitment to be combatting terrorism and preserving national security. By sentencing Abdullah Basith and Abdul Qadeer to five years in prison, the court has underscored the gravity of their actions in promoting a globally recognized terrorist organization. The case highlights the importance of vigilance against extremist ideologies and the need to counter radicalization efforts that can lead individuals down dangerous paths.