ISIS Supporter Rakib Ansari Sentenced to 5 Years in Jail; Major Verdict by Lucknow NIA Court

Lucknow: The special NIA court in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, has sentenced Rakib Imam Ansari to five years in prison after finding him guilty of supporting a banned terrorist organization like ISIS. The court also imposed a fine of ₹6,000 on him. The case was registered in November 2023, and the court has now delivered its verdict following an extensive investigation.

The case originated on November 3, 2023, when Sub-Inspector Mohammad Akram of the Aligarh ATS lodged a complaint at the Gomti Nagar ATS police station. Subsequently, the ATS initiated an investigation into the matter.

During the investigation, it was revealed that two individuals—Shahnawaz and Rizwan Ali—were linked to ISIS and were propagating the ideology of the banned organization. Further investigation disclosed that Rakib Imam Ansari was also in constant contact with these two accused individuals.

According to the prosecution, the accused were actively recruiting new members for the terrorist organization. They incited people to engage in jihadist activities and were involved in conspiring against the Government of India. To substantiate the case, the prosecution presented a total of 17 witnesses before the court. Based on the statements of these witnesses and the evidence provided, the charges against the accused were proven.

A crucial turning point in the proceedings occurred when Rakib Imam Ansari himself confessed to the crime before the court. Following this confession, Special Judge Umakant Jindal convicted him. The court subsequently sentenced him to five years in prison and ordered him to pay a fine of ₹6,000. This verdict underscores the administration’s firm stance on terror-related cases.