Bengaluru Prison Radicalisation Case: NIA conducts raids across 7 states

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches at 17 locations across seven states in connection with the ongoing investigation into the Bengaluru prison radicalization case. The raids, happening in Bengaluru, Tamil Nadu, and other states, target places linked to suspects involved in the terror conspiracy related to the case.

On January 12, the NIA charged eight individuals, including a life convict and two fugitives, in the Bengaluru Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) Prison radicalization and ‘fidayeen’ (suicide) attack conspiracy case.

T Naseer, serving a life sentence, and others face charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and related acts. Originally registered by the Bengaluru City Police in July 2023, the case involves the seizure of arms and explosives from the accused.

NIA investigations reveal that Naseer radicalised and recruited fellow inmates, including Junaid and Salman, to further LeT activities both inside and outside the prison. Junaid, suspected to have fled abroad, allegedly funded and facilitated terrorist activities, including a planned ‘fidayeen’ attack.

The recent raids come after the Ministry of Home Affairs transferred the investigation of the Rameshwaram Cafe blast to the NIA, which occurred in Bengaluru’s Whitefield area on March 1, injuring several people during lunch hour.