The judge pointed to Sharjeel’s lawyer’s submission that the funds were transferred to refugees
Trial of Six Accused in IS Module Case Begins
Six individuals, namely Sharjeel, Tabish Siddiqui, Zulfikar Ali Barodawala, Zubair Shaikh (alias Abu Nusaiba), Adnanali Sarkar, and Aakif Ateeque Nachan, are currently on trial following their arrest in July 2023. The arrests were conducted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) during a series of raids across Maharashtra in connection with an Islamic State (IS) module case.
During the court proceedings, the judge reviewed electronic evidence presented by the prosecution, highlighting communication that suggested the accused were involved in discussions aimed at providing financial support to a Syrian mujahid. The judge remarked, “…on perusal of the memorandum panchnama…, it is evident that there is electronic evidence by way of chats propelling the accused…to have stated for providing help to a Syrian mujahid.”
The judge emphasized that this evidence will need to undergo scrutiny during the trial, stating, “This aspect undoubtedly would be required to be tested upon the anvil of evidence, but it necessarily shows for such financial assistance proposed by the accused…” This indicates that the prosecution believes the elements of the law being invoked against the accused can be substantiated.
The NIA informed the court that between 2015 and 2023, Sharjeel allegedly raised funds to further terrorist activities by making online payments to a Syria-based faction of the banned organisation SIMI. Therefore, in such circumstances framing of an additional charge…against the accused…can be well ventilated,” the judge said on September 10. Mumbai: A special court has allowed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to frame an additional charge under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act against accused Sharjeel Shaikh for allegedly raising funds and providing financial assistance to a Syria-based terrorist organisation. Shaikh pleaded not guilty to the charge. The judge pointed to Sharjeel’s lawyer’s submission that the funds were transferred to the refugees. “…as regards the transfer of funds whether it was to the refugees or to some other terrorist organisation would be required to be tested upon the crucible of evidence. The prosecution relied on electronic evidence, including data extracted from email accounts, WhatsApp, Twitter, and Telegram. The agency claimed the chats demonstrated an intention to provide help to a Syrian combatant and that the funds were sent with the knowledge that they were likely to be used for committing terrorist acts.