MUMBAI: Areeb Majeed, an accused in an ISIS-linked case, has claimed that two individuals posing as Army officers approached him and offered to “wipe out” his trial if he joined a covert operation. The court has now sought responses from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and local police. Majeed, arrested in 2014 under anti-terror laws, filed an application stating that he does not seek any extrajudicial favours but wants his case to be decided strictly on legal merits, according to news agency PTI. Taking note of the plea, Special NIA Court Judge Chakor Baviskar on Wednesday described it as a “serious incident involving suspected impersonation, attempted inducement, subsequent pressure, and interference with the fair administration of justice.” The judge issued notices to the Bazar Peth police in Kalyan (Thane district) and the NIA, seeking their response to Majeed’s complaint. The matter has been adjourned to March 4. According to Majeed’s application, the incident occurred on February 21, 2026. He was at college when his wife informed him that an unidentified man and woman had arrived at their Kalyan residence and insisted on waiting inside for him. The woman, claiming to be from the Indian Army, allegedly told Majeed over the phone that she was accompanied by a senior Colonel-rank officer from New Delhi. She purportedly requested his “help” in a covert operation, promising to “wipe out the case pending against” him in return. Suspecting an attempt to prejudice his trial or entrap him further, Majeed refused them entry and immediately contacted the 112 emergency helpline and the NIA control room. The two individuals were later taken to Bazar Peth police station for questioning. Majeed’s NIA case alleges that he had travelled to Syria to join ISIS and returned to India to carry out terror activities. He was arrested in November 2014 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Indian Penal Code for waging war against the nation and other charges.
