ISIS case accused claims suspected Army personnel offered trial 'wipe out'; court seeks NIA reply

Mumbai: 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.