The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids at five locations in West Bengal on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged sleeper cells linked to the Bangladesh-based Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB). The searches were carried out in different parts of the state.The agency is investigating the suspected underground network and its activities in West Bengal. The latest operation is part of the wider probe into the alleged JMB-linked conspiracy.Key HighlightsNIA searched five locations in West Bengal.The searches were linked to an ongoing JMB sleeper cell case.The operation took place on September 29, 2026.The agency is investigating an alleged underground network.Why Did NIA Conduct the Raids?The NIA carried out the searches to investigate suspected sleeper cells linked to JMB. A sleeper cell refers to a hidden group or network that may remain inactive for a period while staying connected to an organisation.The latest searches are part of the agency’s continuing investigation. Officers visited five locations in different parts of West Bengal, according to the IANS report.The investigation is focused on finding information about the alleged network and its activities.What Is the JMB Case About?Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh, also known as JMB, is a Bangladesh-based militant organisation. The group has been the subject of investigations by Indian agencies in earlier cases.The NIA has previously investigated JMB-linked cases in West Bengal and other parts of eastern India. In a 2015 case linked to the Burdwan blast, the agency said its investigation had found a JMB network in West Bengal, Assam and Jharkhand. The agency had also said that its earlier investigation involved allegations of recruitment, radicalisation and training. Those findings relate to the earlier case and should not be treated as proof about every person or location involved in the current investigation. What Is the NIA Checking Now?The NIA has not released all details of Tuesday’s searches. The current operation is focused on the suspected sleeper cell network, according to the IANS report.During such searches, investigators may look for documents, digital devices and other material that can help establish links between suspects. Any recovered material would need to be examined as part of the investigation.In June 2026, the NIA announced that it had charged 11 accused in a separate case involving an alleged JMB offshoot’s conspiracy focused on West Bengal and northeastern states. That case shows that the agency has continued to investigate alleged JMB-linked networks in the region.What Happens After the Searches?The investigation will continue after the searches. NIA officials will examine any material collected during the operation and may question people connected to the case.Further action will depend on the evidence found during the investigation.No final conclusion about the role of any person searched on Tuesday should be drawn until the agency completes its investigation and the legal process moves forward.“The National Investigation Agency was conducting raids and search operations at five locations in different corners of West Bengal,” police and investigation sources said, according to the IANS report.Also Read : Bangladesh JaSaD Office Raid: 27 Sent to Jail After Police Detain Nearly 300
