NIA files chargesheet against UP tailor in Gujarat terror radicalisation case linked to JeM, Al-Qaeda
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday filed a chargesheet against Faijan alias Faizan Shakil Salmani, a resident of Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, who was arrested in Gujarat's Navsari district in January 2026. The case involves allegations of online terror radicalisation and conspiracy with proscribed terrorist outfits, including Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Al-Qaeda.
Salmani, who worked as a tailor and had been living in Navsari for the past three to four years, faces charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), besides sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act.
According to an NIA statement, the investigation revealed that Salmani conspired for the secession of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh from India and was in touch with a Pakistan-based JeM operative. The NIA took over the case from the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) in March 2026.
The Gujarat ATS had originally arrested 22-year-old Salmani on January 25, 2026, a day before Republic Day, based on confidential information. The ATS alleged that Salmani was a 'lone wolf' whose primary motive was to identify and carry out targeted killings of those who allegedly insulted the Prophet. The ATS also named another wanted accused, Mohammed Abu Bakar, in the case.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Sunil Joshi had earlier stated that Salmani had hatched a conspiracy to attack and kill certain well-known youths in Uttar Pradesh to spread terror, and to separate Kashmir from India through jihad. The ATS recovered a number of items from Salmani's mobile phone, including inflammatory literature supporting JeM and Al-Qaeda, a photograph of the Red Fort with a black Islamic flag replacing the Tricolour, a map showing Kashmir as 'Azad Kashmir', and a list of targets with threats.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about online radicalisation and the reach of banned terrorist organisations in India. The NIA's chargesheet marks a significant step in the legal proceedings against Salmani.
