In a significant development in a high-profile terror investigation, Assam Police have filed a supplementary chargesheet against two additional individuals. This action is connected to the seizure of a powerful improvised explosive device (IED) in Guwahati just days before Republic Day celebrations earlier this year.
Details of the Charges and Accused
The legal document was submitted before a special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Guwahati. The two men named in this latest chargesheet are Muzammil Hussain and Sahabul Islam. They have been charged under several stringent sections of Indian law.
The charges include sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), which deals with terrorist activities, and the Explosive Substances Act. This formal accusation follows a meticulous investigation into the plot to disrupt Republic Day proceedings.
The Republic Day Terror Plot Unraveled
The case originated from a major security operation on January 22, 2024. Acting on critical intelligence inputs, a joint team of Guwahati City Police and Special Task Force (STF) personnel conducted a raid at a residence in the Nabin Nagar area. The operation led to the dramatic discovery of a 5-kilogram IED, along with other incriminating materials.
Investigators found the explosive device was assembled using a cooking pressure cooker, a common method for creating devastating bombs. Alongside the IED, the police recovered a mobile phone, a battery, and a switch mechanism intended to trigger the explosion.
The initial investigation pointed to a planned terrorist attack aimed at the Republic Day celebrations. Given the grave national security implications, the case was swiftly handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for a comprehensive, centralised probe.
Ongoing Investigation and Wider Network
This supplementary chargesheet represents a continued effort to dismantle the entire network behind the plot. Earlier, the police had already filed a chargesheet against the first arrested accused, Adibur Rahman. Rahman was allegedly tasked with the critical job of planting the assembled IED at a location chosen to cause maximum impact and chaos on Republic Day.
The investigation, now spearheaded by the NIA, is delving deeper into the origins of the explosives, the source of funding, and potential links to larger terrorist organisations. The filing of charges against Hussain and Islam suggests the police have gathered substantial evidence of their involvement in the conspiracy, whether in logistics, planning, or support roles.
The use of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act indicates the authorities are treating this as a serious case of terrorism with intent to threaten the sovereignty and integrity of India. The swift legal action highlights the continued vigilance of security agencies in Assam, a state that has historically dealt with insurgency and militant activities.
As the legal process begins, all eyes will be on the special NIA court where the evidence will be presented. The case underscores the persistent threats to national security during important national events and the multi-agency efforts required to neutralize them.
