🔴 By | Arvind Jadhav
Mumbai : A Mumbai special court of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has sentenced anaesthesiologist Dr Adnanali Sarkar to six years of rigorous imprisonment after he pleaded guilty in a 2023 Maharashtra ISIS terror conspiracy case. The court also imposed a cumulative fine of ₹65,000.
The conviction marks a significant development in the investigation into an alleged ISIS-linked network operating in Maharashtra, which involved accusations of extremist propaganda, recruitment and fundraising for terrorist activities.
🟡 Doctor Admits Involvement, Seeks Leniency
Special NIA Judge Abhay A. Joglekar convicted Sarkar under Sections 13, 18, 20, 38 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), along with Sections 201 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Sarkar had initially pleaded not guilty when charges were framed against him in June 2026. However, on October 28, he submitted an application expressing his willingness to plead guilty and requested a lenient sentence on humanitarian grounds.
During the proceedings, he reportedly told the court that he regretted his actions and had decided to admit his guilt keeping his future and family in mind. The court accepted his plea after satisfying itself that it was voluntary and not made under any pressure, threat or coercion.
🟡 Alleged ISIS Recruitment and Propaganda Network
According to the NIA investigation, the accused were allegedly involved in a wider conspiracy to promote the ideology of the banned terrorist organisation ISIS, recruit vulnerable youth and raise funds for terrorist activities.
The investigation also pointed to the alleged use of WhatsApp and social media groups to conduct online lectures promoting extremist ideology under the guise of religious preaching.
The case further involved the circulation of ISIS-linked propaganda publications, including Voice of Hind and Voice of Khurasan. Investigators also examined alleged links with handlers operating from outside India.
🟡 Trial Against Five Other Accused to Continue
The NIA registered the case on June 28, 2023, following information regarding an alleged conspiracy to threaten India’s unity, integrity, security and sovereignty.
Six individuals were chargesheeted in connection with the case. With Dr Adnanali Sarkar’s conviction, proceedings against the remaining five accused will continue separately.
The latest verdict represents an important development in the investigation, while the larger alleged network and the roles of the remaining accused are still subject to judicial proceedings.
