According to sources  NIA conducted raids at 17 locations across seven states as part of its investigation into the Bengaluru prison radicalisation case.

T Naseer, a convict serving a life sentence and identified as a member of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), is accused of radicalising multiple individuals within the confines of Bengaluru Central Prison. Allegedly, he incited them to orchestrate terror attacks within the country.

The Bengaluru City Police initially filed the case after recovering a cache of arms and ammunition in July 2023, which included 7 pistols, 4 hand grenades, one magazine, and 45 live rounds, along with 4 walkie-talkies.

NIA took control of the investigation on 25 October 2023 and conducted raids related to the case on 13 December 2023. While it remains uncertain if the NIA's recent raids are linked to Friday's explosion at a prominent café in Bengaluru, sources familiar with the matter stated that they will investigate potential connections. Additionally, the agency has taken charge of the investigation into the blast at the Rameshwaram café.

In the Bengaluru prison radicalisation case, the federal agency has filed charges against eight individuals, including Naseer and two fugitives.

Naseer, originally from Kerala's Kannur district has been serving a life sentence since 2013. Junaid Ahmed and Salman Khan, believed to have fled abroad, were reportedly radicalised by Naseer during their time in prison.

The agency has also charged Syed Suhail Khan, Mohammed Umar, Zahid Tabrez, Syed Mudassir Pasha, and Mohammed Faisal Rabbani, suspecting their association with Naseer. They have been accused under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Explosives Substances Act, and Arms Act.

In a statement released in January, the NIA revealed, “Naseer successfully orchestrated the transfer of these individuals to his barracks after assessing their susceptibility, intending to radicalise and enlist them into the LeT. Initially, he radicalised and recruited Junaid and Salman to advance the LeT's agenda. Subsequently, he collaborated with Junaid to radicalise and enlist the other accused.”

Following his release from prison, Junaid is suspected of having fled abroad after allegedly committing additional offences.

"As per NIA investigations, he initiated financial transactions to aid his co-accused from abroad in furthering LeT activities both inside and outside the prison. Additionally, he colluded with Salman to transport firearms, ammunition, hand grenades, and walkie talkies to others, with the intention of orchestrating a 'fidayeen' attack and facilitating Naseer's escape from police custody while en route to court. Junaid also directed his accomplices to steal used police caps for the attack and to practice arson on government buses. However, the plot was thwarted following the seizure of the weapons in July last year," stated the agency.

Image source: ANI