Seven Convicted In Bengaluru Prison Radicalisation Case; Given Seven-Year Jail Terms

A special court of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has sentenced seven individuals, including alleged mastermind T Naseer, in connection with a 2023 prison radicalisation case in Bengaluru.

Alongside Naseer, the court handed seven-year rigorous imprisonment terms to Syed Suhail Khan, Mohammed Umar, Zahid Tabrez, Syed Mudassir Pasha, Mohammed Faisal Rabbani, and Salman Khan. Each of the convicts has also been fined Rs 48,000.

The punishment was delivered under multiple laws, including:

• The Indian Penal Code,
• The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act,
• The Arms Act, and
• The Explosive Substances Act

The accused had previously admitted guilt in the case registered by the NIA. Investigators said the plot originated inside Parappana Agrahara Central Prison, where Naseer allegedly led efforts to identify and influence inmates.

Officials stated that vulnerable individuals were targeted for recruitment, indoctrination, and preparation for terror activities.

Case Origins and Terror Links

The case first came to light in July 2023, when the Bengaluru Central Crime Branch recovered weapons, ammunition, and electronic devices from known offenders. Subsequent findings suggested a plan to carry out attacks in the city, linked to the banned outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba.

After taking over the investigation, the NIA uncovered an additional plan aimed at facilitating Naseer’s escape during court transfers. At the time, he was facing trial in connection with the 2008 Bengaluru serial blasts.

The agency later filed charges against 11 arrested individuals and one absconding suspect, identified as Junaid Ahmed.

Salman Khan, one of the convicts, had been brought back to India from Rwanda through joint efforts by the authorities of both countries. Officials said attempts to locate Junaid Ahmed are still ongoing.

In a separate development, the NIA recently took action against Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah. The case dates back several years. It involves alleged attacks on police personnel.

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