Swarna Shukla –
Published on: November 24, 2021 at 20:40 IST
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) Court in Kochi sentenced a Wayanad native to five years rigorous imprisonment for travelling to Afghanistan in an attempt to join Islamic State (ISIS). Nashidul Hamzafar 29 years old, resident of Kalpetta, pleaded guilty to the charges against him and was convicted by the Court without a trial.
NIA Court judge Anil Baskar Ordered Nashidul to undergo three years of rigorous imprisonment under Section 120 B of IPC for conspiracy, five years rigorous imprisonment and Rs 10,000 fine under Section 125 IPC for waging war against any Asiatic power in alliance with the government of India, five years rigorous imprisonment under Section 38 of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for an offence related to membership of a terrorist organisation and five years rigorous imprisonment under Section 39 of UAPA for an offence related to support given to a terrorist organisation. The Court Ordered that the sentences will run concurrently.
The NIA judge wished a bright future to Nashidul. The judge also advised Nashidul at the open court that religion helps the development of the individual. The Judge said, “Religion is for individuals and they can choose which faith to follow. But when it comes to society, our Constitution is the religion. There should be respect for all religions. Hope you take the right step for your bright future.”
The Judge also empathize that he understands that Nashidul’s father is a cancer survivor and his mother is bedridden. “Hope he understands the family situation as well. He is a young man,” the judge stated.
In October 2017 Nasidul, a BBM graduate employed in Bengaluru, decided to join ISIS along with 15 persons from Kasargod who left for Afghanistan. Nasidul and his friend from Wayanad tried to reach Afghanistan through Iran. His friend following family pressure returned from Iran before entering Afghanistan.