In a welcome development the United States Supreme Court rejected the plea of Tahawwur Rana to halt his extradition to India.
A fugitive Hizb terrorist was arrested after seventeen years. National Investigation Agency officials searched multiple locations across Jammu as a part of continuing investigation into infiltration from Pakistan. Jammu & Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen and Awami Action Committee have been declared unlawful for a further period of five years.
Chhattisgarh government has put in place a revised surrender and rehabilitation policy, as well as victim reassurance that would include both security personnel and civilian victims of Maoist (Naxal) violence and atrocities. Madhya Pradesh has reiterated its resolve to augment its elite anti-Maoist Hawk Force. A total of 92 Maoists – armed cadre and mass organisation – surrendered to the authorities in Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. A Maoist arms supplier was finally arrested after 17 years.
Investigations agencies revealed that Popular Front of India – a rabid Islamist fundamentalist organisation that operates in India’s North East and masquerades as a political organisation – has received more than rupees two hundred crores (two billion) in multiple accounts for its nefarious and unlawful activities.
A Financial Intelligence Unit study said crypto currency is being used for terror financing and peddling narcotics/drugs.
Contraband and narcotics were seized in various across the country and on the high seas by Enforcement Directorate, Narcotics Control Bureau, Border Security Force and Indian Coast Guard.
The Union Home Ministry informed Parliament – Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha – of the various measures being taken to address the challenges of internal security, fringe secessionist elements in North East, Pakistan sponsored terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, comprehensively defeated Khalistan secessionist-terrorist defeated that is attempting to raise its ugly head again, Maoists insurgency, cyber security, digital arrest, crypto currency, narcotics menace and the emerging threat of drone menace.
US Supreme Court rejects Tahawwur Rana’s appeal
The United States Supreme Court, on March 6, 2025, rejected the “emergency application” of Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. He was seeking to get his extradition to India stopped and asserted that his extradition violates US law and United Nations Convention Against Torture, arguing there are substantial grounds to believe that he would face torture if sent to India.[1]
NIA searches in Jammu for terrorists
The National Investigation Agency (NIA), on March 19, 2025, conducted searches at 12 locations across Jammu in connection with a terrorist infiltration case. The searches were related to a case registered last year based on information about the infiltration of active terrorists belonging to proscribed outfits ¬-- Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The infiltrations were facilitated by over-ground workers (OGWs) and other terror associates based in villages in the Jammu region.[2]
Hizb terrorist arrested after 17 years
Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) terrorist Ulfat Husain alias Mohammad Saiful Islam alias Hussain Malik alias Parvez[3] was arrested, media reports said, on March 8, 2025. He was on the run for the past 17 years and was arrested in a joint operation by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) from Poonch district, of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) He was previously arrested in 2002 along with four others and was released on remand in 2008.
NIA raids in Jammu and Kashmir
National Investigation Agency (NIA) raided 12 locations across Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), on March 19, 2025. These operations are part of an ongoing investigation into the infiltration of terrorists from Pakistan and recent attacks on security forces (SFs) and civilians.[4] The raids are suspected to be linked to newly formed offshoots and affiliates of banned terrorist organizations. The case is based on intelligence inputs regarding the entry of active terrorists from Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) through the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC). Investigations have revealed that Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and other terror associates based in villages of the Jammu region were involved in providing logistical support, including food, shelter, and financial aid, to these infiltrators.
JKIM and AAC declared unlawful
The Union government has declared ‘Jammu & Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen’ (JKIM)’ and ‘Awami Action Committee (AAC)’ as unlawful associations for five years, under Section 3(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) 1967.
They are involved in promoting and aiding the secession of J&K from India by indulging in anti-national and subversive activities.[5]
He said “these organizations were found [to be] inciting people to cause law and order situations, posing a threat to the unity and integrity of Bharat. He said that anyone found involved in activities against the nation's peace, order, and sovereignty is bound to face [a] crushing blow”.
New surrender policy in Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh introduced a revised Naxalite [Maoist] Surrender/Relief and Rehabilitation Policy-2025. It aims to offer economic assistance, rehabilitation, education, employment, and security to Maoists who surrender.[6] It replaces the previous policy of 2023. Furthers details of the policy are awaited.
Madhya Pradesh to augment Hawk Force
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Mohan Yadav has emphasized the need to augment Hawk Force, the State’s specialised anti-Maoist force, and opening additional armed security posts.[7] He said it would enhance the safety and development of these areas He underscored the importance of coordinated efforts among various agencies to improve the socio-economic conditions in Maoist-affected districts. He reiterated the need of infrastructure development, including the installation of mobile towers and improved road connectivity.
Maoist arms supplier sentenced to 15 years
A National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Ranchi, Jharkhand, on March 10, 2025, sentenced Mantu Sharma to 15 years rigorous imprisonment. On the run for many years, he was selling weapons to the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist).[8] The NIA said, “As per NIA investigations, [he] was involved in selling illegal arms and ammunition to members of CPI (Maoist). He was sentenced under multiple sections that range from three to 15 years.
17 Maoists surrender in Chhattisgarh
Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) cadres, nine of them collectively carrying a reward money of Rs 2.4 million on their heads, and eight others surrendered in Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh, on March 13, 2025.[9] reports NDTV. The Maoists cited disappointment with ‘hollow’ and ‘inhuman’ Maoist ideology, exploitation of innocent tribals by senior cadres and increasing influence of security forces. All the surrendered Maoists were active in different capacities in the Gangaloor area committee of the CPI-Maoist.
11 Maoists surrender in Andhra Pradesh
A total of 17 People’s Militia ¬¬-- third force of Peoples Liberation Army of the CPI (Maoist) – belonging to Galikonda Area Committee voluntarily surrendered to the police in Alluri Sitarama Raju district, Andhra Pradesh, on March 14, 2025.[10] They were involved in multiple offences in Gudem Kotha Veedhi and Koyyuru Mandals.
64 Maoists surrender in Telangana
Sixty-four cadres of the CPI-Maoist from various villages in Sukma and Bijapur districts, Chhattisgarh, surrendered in neighbouring Bhadradri Kothagudem dstrict, Telangana, on March 15, 2025.[11] Those surrendering belonged to various mass organisations – Revolutionary People’s Committee (RPC), Dandakaranya Adivisai Kisan Mazdoor Sangh (DAKMS) Chetna Natya Mandali (CNM). They said they wanted to lead a peaceful life with their family.
CRPF recovers IEDs in Jharkhand
A joint team of Jharkhand police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) foiled a major threat by defusing two improvised explosive devices (IEDs). They were weighing 18 kg.[12] A huge cache of arms was also recovered in Diku Ponga vilage, Chotanagar police station, West Singhbhum district, Jharkhand. In addition to defusing the explosives, they also unearthed a Maoist arms depot in Jhimirekir. Recoveries included a pistol with a magazine, explosives, detonators, electronic car remotes, and bomb-making materials.
BKI operatives arrested in Punjab
Punjab police arrested three operatives -- Harvinder Singh, Jagjit Singh and another -- of Pakistan-based Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), on March 8, 2025.[13] One pistol with eight live cartridges and one pump-action gun with 15 live cartridges were recovered. Police said Jagjit played a critical role in facilitating logistics, safe houses and coordination for the shooters involved in a murder in Nanded, Maharashtra, in February 2025.
PFI received millions from bank deposits: ED
Quoting Enforcement Directorate (ED), media reports on March 10, 2025, said Popular Front of India (PFI) received over Rs 262 cr in 29 bank accounts between May 2009 and May 2022.[14] Besides, intelligence sources claim it received Rs 32.7 cr in cash from sympathisers. PFI collected or raised collect funds from unidentified and suspicious sources, both local and international.
PLFI area commander arrested in Jharkhand
Three cadres, including one self-styled area commander of People’s Liberation Front of India (PLFI), were arrested along with arms and ammunition in the Gumla district, Jharkhand. The identities of the arrestees are yet to be ascertained.
ED searches in various States
The Enforcement Directorate (ED), on March 6, 2025, conducted searches at 12 locations across 10 States – Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan -- in connection with the Popular Front of India (PFI) and its political wing, Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), in a money laundering case. The ED faced protests by SDPI supporters at various places.[15]
Coast Guard seizes huge quantity of hashish oil
Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized 30 kg of hashish oil worth Rs 32.95 crore from in the Gulf of Mannar.[16] DRI officials alerted the ICG based about illegal transhipment of contraband substances. Two ICGS ships intercepted the tugboat enroute to Maldives. Nine crew members were apprehended Among the arrested were three are Indian nationals.
Contraband seizures by BSF
The Lok Sabha was informed on March 11, 2025, that Border Security Force (BSF) had seized contraband items worth Rs 461.07 along the India-Bangladesh border in 2024.[17] The data provided showed that since 2015 the BSF has seized contraband items worth Rs 2,806.17 cr. He further said BSF had increased deployment of personnel at the border, constructed border fencing, installed floodlights, used watercraft and boats and also set up Border Out Posts (BOP) for area domination. In addition, BSF has deployed advanced technological equipment and enhanced coordination with the State governments and intelligence agencies to curb smuggling along the border.
FIA study on crypto currency
A Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) study said crypto currency is being used across the country for terrorist financing, fuelling secessionist activities, cybercrime, and narcotics trafficking, besides from illegal betting and gambling.[18] It shared these trends as well as credible intelligence on the operations of crypto currency in the country with relevant law enforcement agencies such as Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Income-Tax Department.
Measures to strengthen Internal and Cyber Security
The Government has launched a multi-pronged strategy to strengthen national security, law enforcement and governance across India. The new measures proposed in the Budget to strengthen internal security in the current financial year [2025] include measures to:
- make Jammu & Kashmir terror-free by eliminating terror networks, preventing infiltration and dismantling terror financing;
- integrate insurgent groups into the peace process and strengthening border security to curb infiltration in North East;
- eliminate Left-Wing Extremism; implement new criminal laws with an aim to modernize Criminal Justice System by integrating police, judiciary, forensics, prisons and prosecution into a seamless digital system, enhancing crime prevention and justice delivery;
- improve criminal investigations, deployment of mobile forensic labs in all districts and modernization of state forensic labs;
- modernize Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) through advanced security equipment, automation and enhanced inter-operability between forces along-with welfare initiatives in housing and healthcare;
- strengthen cybercrime infrastructure through the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), cyber fraud mitigation centres, Suspect Registry, Cyber-Commando wing and a National Cyber Threat Intelligence system to proactively counter digital threats;
- enhance border security through technological upgradation such as drones, surveillance systems and fencing along vulnerable borders;
- reinforce coastal security with digitized mapping, monitoring of non-major ports, and enhanced coordination among the Indian Coast Guard, Navy and coastal states;
- Have zero-tolerance for narcotic drugs and psychotropic Substances;
- improve national disaster preparedness through community participation, better-equipped state disaster response forces and international cooperation; and
- modernize immigration systems by streamlining visa issuance, e-visas and fast-track clearance for trusted travellers at major international airports.
Measures to strengthen cyber security
To strengthen the mechanism to deal with cybercrimes including digital arrest scams in a comprehensive and coordinated manner, the [Union] Government has taken steps which, inter-alia, include the following:[19]
The Ministry of Home Affairs has set up the ‘Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre’ (I4C) as an attached office to deal with all types of cybercrimes in the country, in a coordinated and comprehensive manner.
The Central Government has launched a comprehensive awareness programme on digital arrest scams which, inter-alia, include: newspaper advertisement, announcement in Delhi Metros, use of social media influencers to create special posts, campaign through Prasar Bharti and electronic media.
Narcotics Control Bureau seizes huge Methamphetamine consignment
Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) seized a massive consignment of methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 88 cr and arrested four members of an international drug cartel. While congratulating the officials he said, “it is a testament to the stellar performance of the bottom-to-top and top-to-bottom approach to investigation” and added, “No mercy for drug cartels”.[20]
Gujarat police arrest FICN peddler
Gujarat police-Surat Special Operations Group (SOG) arrested two persons, identified as Vijay Chauhan and Suresh Lathidadiya with Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) supplied from Bangladesh.[21] The FICN were soured from Malda, West Bengal. Police also recovered a detector machine and a few mobile phones, as well as rupees one lakh in cash.
294 drones recovered in Punjab in 2024
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai informed Lok Sabha that Border Security Force (BSF) personnel recovered 294 drones in Punjab in 2024, media reports said on March 18, 2025.[22]
Separately, Punjab Police arrested 95 drug smugglers and recovered 11 kg of heroin, 7.5 kg of opium and Rs 31,000 from their possession in an operation conducted in 28 districts of Punjab. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached 2,231.
Bangladesh nationals arrested along India border
Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai informed Rajya Sabha that at least 2,601 Bangladesh citizens were arrested along the Indo-Bangladesh border in 2024.[23] Data for each of the 13 months (January 2024 and January 2025) shared by the Minister showed the number of Bangladesh nationals arrested along the border nearly doubled after regime change in August 2024 in comparison to the earlier six-month. Between August 2024 and January 2025, at least 1,584 people were caught at the border while in the six months before that (February- July 2024), the number was 879 — an increase of at least 80.2 per cent.
Endnotes
[1] https://m.economictimes.com/news/india/us-supreme-court-rejects-26/11-accused-tahawwur-ranas-plea-paves-way-for-extradition-to-india/articleshow/118773730.cms
[2] https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/nia-raids-underway-at-10-locations-in-jammu-to-probe-cases-related-to-infiltration/
[3] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/fugitive-hizbul-mujahideen-terrorist-ulfat-hussain-nabbed-by-up-ats-after-18-years-on-the-run/articleshow/118800570.cms
[4] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/cross-border-infiltration-nia-raids-12-locations-in-jammu/articleshow/119225144.cms
[5] https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2110470
[6] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/raipur/chhattisgarh-cabinet-approves-new-policy-for-surrendered-maoists-offers-economic-help-rehabilitation-security/articleshow/118959600.cms
[7] https://www.thehansindia.com/news/national/mp-cm-stresses-for-expansion-of-hawk-force-in-maoist-hit-regions-951724
[8] https://www.ptinews.com/story/national/absconding-dealer-gets-15-yr-jail-term-for-supplying-arms-to-maoists/2365684
[9] https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/chhattisgarh-17-naxalites-surrender-in-bijapur20250313210106
[10] Translated from Eenadu, Hyderabad, a Telugu language daily, March 18, 2025.
[11] https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/64-maoists-surrender-before-police-in-telangana-choose-to-abandon-naxalism-125031600040_1.html
[12] Translated from Eenadu, Hyderabad, March 15, 2025.
[13] https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/three-bki-operatives-held-with-arms-ammunition/
[14] https://www.news18.com/india/pfi-exposed-ed-arrest-reveals-banned-outfits-control-over-sdpi-exclusive-9251750.html
[15] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ed-conducts-searches-across-10-states-in-pfi-case-days-after-arrest-of-sdpi-chief-mk-faizy/article69297303.ece
[16] https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2025/Mar/09/indian-coast-guard-dri-seize-rs-33-crore-worth-hashish-oil-nine-arrested
[17] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bsf-seized-461-crore-of-contraband-on-india-bangladesh-border-in-2024-highest-in-10-years-government/article69317158.ece
[18] https://www.rediff.com/news/report/crypto-use-suspected-in-terrorism-secessionist-activities-fiu-report/20250313.htm
[19] https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2110809
[20] https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2111585
[21] https://www.deccanherald.com/india/gujarat/two-held-in-surat-with-ficn-supplied-from-bangladesh-3449483
[22] https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/bsf-seized-294-drones-in-punjab-in-2024-govt-tells-lok-sabha/#:~:text=New%20Delhi%2C%20Mar%2018%3A%20The,Punjab%20border%20to%20counter%20them.
[23] https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/over-2-600-b-desh-infiltrators-held-in-a-year-mha-tells-rajya-sabha-101741806144726.html
