The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has intensified its crackdown on radicalisation within Bengaluru's central prison, conducting raids at 17 locations across seven states.
The investigation focuses on T Naseer, a life imprisonment convict and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist, who allegedly indoctrinated several individuals within the prison walls, goading them towards orchestrating terror attacks across the country.
The case initially came to light when Bengaluru City Police uncovered a cache of arms and ammunition in July 2023, including pistols, hand grenades, magazines, and live rounds, alongside walkie-talkies.
Subsequently, NIA took over the investigation on October 25, 2023, and has been actively pursuing leads, conducting raids as recently as December 13, 2023. The latest series of raids, conducted on Tuesday, mark a significant escalation in the probe.
Although it remains unclear whether these raids are linked to the recent blast at a popular café in Bengaluru, sources suggest a thorough investigation will explore any potential connections. NIA has also taken charge of the investigation into the café blast, underlining the agency's widening scope of operations.
In the ongoing prison radicalisation case, NIA has already filed charges against eight individuals, including Naseer and two fugitives. Naseer, a native of Kerala's Kannur district, has been serving a life sentence since 2013. During his incarceration, he purportedly radicalised inmates such as Junaid Ahmed and Salman Khan, who are suspected to have absconded abroad.
Additional suspects allegedly influenced by Naseer include Syed Suhail Khan, Mohammed Umar, Zahid Tabrez, Syed Mudassir Pasha, and Mohammed Faisal Rabbani.
These individuals face charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Explosives Substances Act, and Arms Act. According to NIA statements, Naseer orchestrated a systematic recruitment drive within the prison, strategically relocating inmates to his barracks to facilitate radicalisation efforts.
He allegedly collaborated with Junaid to further expand LeT's influence, even after Junaid's release from prison, by channeling funds from abroad to support terrorist activities.
The plot also involved smuggling arms and ammunition to execute a 'fidayeen' attack, aimed at aiding Naseer's escape from police custody. NIA's relentless pursuit underscores the gravity of prison radicalisation and its potential ramifications on national security.
As investigations continue to unravel intricate networks, the agency remains vigilant in safeguarding against terrorist threats both within and beyond prison confines.
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