A County Durham family doctor is accused of leading a terrorist group created after a campaign of bombings and executions in his native India.
Mukul Hazarika, 75, who faces an extradition case on Monday, denies any wrongdoing and is respected by UK patients who praise his care. reports the mirror.
But Indian authorities say his real name is Abhijeet Asom and accuse him of helping orchestrate a campaign of violence as president of the United Front for the Liberation of Independent Assam, the ULFA(I). The outlaw group wants independence for the northeastern state of Assam.
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Dr. Hazarika faces extradition for allegations related to an alleged prior involvement with the ULFA, which was linked to kidnappings, murders, and bombings for 30 years.
He allegedly became a leader of the splinter group ULFA(I) in 2012. At the time, he was a GP at Queenstree Practice in BillinghamCounty Durham, where he still works.
(Image: Richard Rayner)
He faces trial in India for conspiracy to murder and preparation of an act of terrorism between 2004 and 2007. The maximum sentence is life in prison. An ULFA attack in 2011 derailed a train and left dozens of passengers seriously injured.
Dr. Hazarika was arrested last July by agents of the National Extradition Unit. His 10-day extradition hearing will take place at Westminster magistrates court. He has bail set at £50,000 and is required to wear tag under a nightly curfew.
Dr Hazarika, who has a degree in medicine and surgery, holds a British passport and is believed to have been in the UK since 2004. He lives in a £450,000 house in the picturesque village of Elton, near Stockton-on -Tees, where locals admire his immaculate garden, tended by his wife.
According to court documents seen by the Sunday Mirror, Indian authorities accuse him of “directing and commanding the activities of ULFA(I)” while in Britain. India claims that, under the leadership of Dr. Hazarika, the ULFA(I) has been involved in “illegal and anti-national activities”.
He allegedly ran terrorist camps, recruited militants, and participated in extortion and kidnapping to raise funds to wage war against the government.
(Image: Richard Rayner)
The Indian government says the doctor gave a speech to militants at an ULFA(I) camp in Myanmar in 2016. A ruling in India’s Special Judge’s Court in June 2019 stated that Dr. Hazarika and the alleged commander of ULFA (I) Paresh Baruah “conspired in association with his cadres to wage war against the government.”
The sentence affirmed that Dr. Mukul Hazarika “is currently the president of the SS of ULFA (I)… he directs and manages the operation and general activities of ULFA (I)”.
Court documents alleged that the GP was linked to threats to “wage war through terrorist activities” in 2013 and to statements that the ULFA was allegedly responsible for a call to “kill security forces” in September. 2014. Barely a week ago, the ULFA(I) claimed responsibility for executing two “infiltrators” who allegedly spied for the police. It is not known if that followed an order from the leadership.
In their attempt to crush the ULFA(I), Indian forces have been accused of killing and torturing suspects.
The original ULFA group is engaged in peace talks with the Indian government and thousands of staunch fighters have surrendered.
But the 400-member splinter group is said to still be involved in hostilities.
The ULFA(I) has previously denied that the family doctor is involved with the group. But India’s National Investigation Agency claims the video and photos suggest he is their leader. They also claim to have evidence of former militants, including a man who is said to have guarded the GP.
Patients in Queenstree, where GPs earn more than £71,000, have been told the doctor has annual leave until May 30.
One patient said: “He is one of the most respected people in Billingham and runs the health center very well.
(Image: Richard Rayner)
“If it turns out he’s involved in something nasty, it would be a huge shock.”
In the town of Elton, population 324, a neighbor said, “He is well respected and loved by the staff and patients. It is impossible to think that he is involved with a terrorist organization.
“His wife does the gardening and always has the beautiful place.
“They are highly respected, hard-working, decent people.”
The doctor declined to comment. His lawyer, Anand Doobay, said: “Dr. Hazarika strongly denies all allegations of criminal wrongdoing and intends to vigorously contest them. As proceedings are ongoing, we are unable to provide further comment.”
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Reference-www.chroniclelive.co.uk