JMB link in Bengal: Stone quarries in Birbhum under intelligence lens

IANS May 13, 2025 284 views

West Bengal police have uncovered a potential terror network involving Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) operatives exploiting illegal stone quarries in Birbhum district. Intelligence agencies are investigating how these terror suspects might gain access to explosives traditionally used for stone blasting. Three JMB associates have been arrested, revealing a sophisticated recruitment and resource procurement strategy. The ongoing investigation highlights the complex challenges of tracking sleeper cells in the region.

"We are investigating how terror operatives might access stone blasting explosives" - Unnamed Police Source
Kolkata, May 13: Several stone quarries in Birbhum district of West Bengal are currently under the scanner of the intelligence agencies over apprehensions that the explosives procured by them for stone-blasting purposes might be accessed by members of sleeper cells of terror groups that are active in the state.

Key Points

1

Intelligence tracking JMB operatives in West Bengal illegal quarries

2

Three JMB associates arrested in recent crackdown

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Explosive procurement methods under intense scrutiny

Stone quarries operating illegally, without a proper license and other documents necessary for procuring and using explosives for stone blasting, were under special scrutiny.

The intelligence surveillance has been initiated following the arrest of three associates of Bangladesh- based fundamentalist group arrest of three Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) activists in West Bengal during the last three days, two of whom were operating from Nalhati in Birbhum district.

Based on interrogation of Aazmal Hossain and Saheb Ali Khan, who were operating from Nalhati, the investigating officials have come to know that besides brainwashing local youths and encouraging them to join JMB's sleeper cells, the two had also developed rapport with a section of the employees in different local quarries to get supplies of a portion of the explosives procured by such entities for stone blasting, sources said.

The investigating officials are trying to get the details of the arrested accused's associates in such stone quarries as well as to know whether the duo had already procured some explosives or not.

Besides, Aazmal and Saheb, the sleuths of the special task force of West Bengal Police, also arrested their third associate, Abasuddin Molla, who was operating from his residence at Patra village under Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.

An insider from the state police said the investigating officials have come to know about two other associates of the arrested accused who are on the run. However, for the sake of the investigation, the state police have kept their names secret.

Recently, the Union Home Ministry received information from intelligence agencies about the alleged role of illegal Bangladeshi intruders in the violence and vandalism in the minority-dominated Murshidabad district against the newly promulgated Waqf (Amendment) Act.

At that time, the names of three Bangladesh-based fundamentalist groups, namely JMB, Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HUT), and Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) surfaced.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is very concerning! Illegal quarries operating without proper checks are a security risk we can't ignore. The Bengal government must take strict action against all illegal operations. National security should be top priority 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
Why are we always reactive instead of proactive? These quarries should have been monitored from the beginning. Hope the investigation leads to all involved, no matter who they are. Safety of citizens comes first!
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Amit S.
The Bangladesh border has always been porous. While we maintain good relations with our neighbor, we can't compromise on security. Need better coordination between state police and central agencies on such matters.
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Sunita R.
This is why we need stricter regulations on explosives. Can't have them floating around like this! 😨 Also, the youth being radicalized is heartbreaking. Need better education and job opportunities in border areas.
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Vikram D.
While security measures are important, let's not generalize about communities. Most people in Bengal are peace-loving. The focus should be on the criminals, not creating divisions. Good work by the police in making these arrests.

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Tags:
JMB Terror Cells West Bengal Birbhum Intelligence Agencies Stone Quarries Terrorism