ISIS case accused claims suspected Army personnel offered trial 'wipe out'; court seeks NIA reply
Mumbai (PTI): An ISIS link case accused has claimed two persons posing as Army officers approached him and offered to "wipe out" his trial if he joined a covert operation, prompting a court here to seek responses from the NIA and police.
Areeb Majeed, arrested in 2014 under the anti-terror law and facing trial, filed an application before the court stating that he doesn't seek any extrajudicial favours and settlements, but wishes his case to be decided strictly on legal merits.
Taking cognisance of his plea, the court on Wednesday said this is a "serious incident involving suspected impersonation, attempted inducement, subsequent pressure, and interference with the fair administration of justice."
Special NIA Court Judge Chakor Baviskar issued a notice to the Bazar Peth police (at Kalyan in neighbouring Thane district) and the National Investigation Agency, seeking their reply to the complaint raised by Majeed.
The matter has been adjourned to March 4.
According to the application filed by Majeed, who was granted bail by the high court in 2021, the events unfolded on February 21, 2026.
It stated that Majeed was at his college when his wife informed him that an unidentified man and woman had arrived at his residence in Kalyan, insisting on waiting inside for his return.
The woman, claiming to be from the Indian Army, told Majeed over the phone that she was accompanied by a senior Colonel-rank officer from New Delhi.
She allegedly told Majeed they needed his "help" in a covert operation and, in return, would "wipe out the case pending against" him, the plea said.
Suspecting an attempt to prejudice his trial or engineer communications that could implicate him further, Majeed refused them entry.
He then dialled the 112 emergency helpline number and alerted the NIA control room.
The two individuals were subsequently taken to the Bazar Peth police station for questioning.
The NIA's case was that Majeed had travelled to Syria to allegedly join the terrorist group ISIS and returned to India to carry out terror activities.
He was arrested in November 2014 under provisions of the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Indian Penal Code for waging war against the nation and other charges.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Sujit Nair raises concerns over speculation of DMK-AIADMK understanding to block TVK
Chennai: Journalist and political commentator Sujit Nair has expressed concern over speculation that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam could explore a post-poll understanding to prevent Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam from forming the government in Tamil Nadu.
In a social media post, Sujit Nair said the election verdict in Tamil Nadu reflected a clear public demand for political change and argued that the mandate should be respected irrespective of political preferences.
Referring to reports and political discussions surrounding a possible understanding between the DMK and AIADMK, he said he hoped such developments remained only speculative conversations and did not turn into reality.
Nair stated that if such an alliance were to take shape, it would raise serious questions about ideological politics in the country. He said TVK had emerged through a democratic electoral process and that the legitimacy to govern in a parliamentary democracy comes from the people’s verdict.
According to him, attempts to prevent an electoral winner from forming the government through unexpected political arrangements may be constitutionally valid, but many people could view them as politically opportunistic.
He further said that such a move could particularly affect the political image of the DMK, which has historically projected itself around ideology, social justice and opposition politics. Nair said that in ideological terms, the DMK appeared closer to TVK than to the AIADMK, and joining hands with its long-time political rival only to remain in power could weaken its broader political narrative.
He added that the same questions would apply to the AIADMK as well, as the party had spent decades positioning itself against the DMK and such an arrangement could create discomfort among its cadre and supporters.
Drawing a comparison with Maharashtra politics in 2019, Nair said he had expressed similar views when the Shiv Sena formed an alliance with the Indian National Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party after the Assembly elections.
He said post-poll alliances between long-standing political rivals often create a public perception that ideology and electoral mandates become secondary when political power equations come into play.
Nair also said such developments increase public cynicism towards politics and reinforce the belief among voters that ideology is often sidelined after elections.
He maintained that the Tamil Nadu verdict was emphatic and said respecting both the spirit and substance of the mandate was important for the credibility of democratic politics.
