New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids at 11 locations across Tamil Nadu on Tuesday, as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged activities linked to Hizb-ut-Tahrir, a banned pan-Islamist organization accused of promoting an Islamic caliphate in India. The raids, conducted in areas including Tambaram, Pudukottai, and Kanyakumari, have sparked widespread concern among the Muslim community, who view the actions as targeted harassment, reported The Hindu.
The investigation, initially handled by the Chennai Central Crime Branch, was transferred to the NIA, citing the severity of the allegations involving the recruitment and brainwashing of individuals to join Hizb-ut-Tahrir. The case primarily involves three suspects, including a father and son from Roya Peeta, accused of persuading others to become part of the organization.
Since early morning, NIA officials have been conducting searches in various residential and business locations. Although no arrests have been officially confirmed, five individuals have been detained for questioning. As of now, no incriminating documents have been recovered, but authorities are continuing their efforts to gather more evidence and identify those in contact with the suspects.
Naeem, a social activist, criticized the raids, arguing that the Muslim community is being unfairly targeted.
“There is no such organization operating in India as alleged. Muslims here act responsibly, yet they are constantly subjected to such intimidating actions. This type of behavior towards Muslims must come to an end,” he said.
The NIA stated that their ongoing searches aim to trace individuals connected to the suspects and to uncover further details regarding their activities. “We are actively searching for those in contact with the suspects and are collecting more evidence related to their activities,” said an NIA official.
The raids have intensified fears among Muslims in Tamil Nadu, who feel that actions like these contribute to a growing atmosphere of Islamophobia and alienation. Critics argue that the frequent crackdowns on Muslim groups, often without substantial evidence, foster distrust and resentment within the community.
As the investigation progresses, the NIA remains focused on unraveling the extent of Hizb-ut-Tahrir’s operations in India, while the Muslim community continues to call for fair treatment and due process in the pursuit of justice.
