Indian intelligence unit searches homes of six alleged Hizb-ut-Tahrir sympathisers

India’s Special Intelligence Unit searched the homes of six people in Thanjavur on Tuesday over their alleged links with Hizb-ut-Tahrir, according to police sources cited by The Hindu. The searches were carried out by a team led by Charles, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Thanjavur. The team obtained search orders from a court before conducting the operation, the sources said.

Police alleged that the six people were sympathisers of a global movement seeking to establish an Islamic State and Caliphate. They said inquiries had indicated that the individuals were actively involved in activities associated with Hizb-ut-Tahrir, referred to in the report as HuT. According to the police account, the organisation seeks to establish a global Islamic State, including in India, by overthrowing democratically elected governments through jihad and terrorist activities involving citizens.

Authorities described the alleged objective as a serious threat to India’s democratic system and internal security. Police also alleged that the organisation promotes radicalisation, encourages vulnerable young people to join terrorist groups such as ISIS and raises funds for terrorist activities. The Ministry of Home Affairs declared Hizb-ut-Tahrir a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in 2024, the police said.

The source material does not state whether arrests were made during the searches, what items were seized or whether charges had been filed against any of the six people. It also does not include a response from those whose houses were searched or from representatives of the organisation.