NIA: The National Investigation Agency has intensified its investigation into the Bengaluru prison radicalisation case by filing a fresh supplementary chargesheet against three additional accused. The case, which surfaced in 2023, revolves around an alleged terror conspiracy linked to the banned outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba and plans to destabilize national security through coordinated extremist activities originating from within a high-security prison.
The case was initially registered by the Bengaluru City Police in July 2023 after a major recovery of arms, ammunition, and digital devices from habitual offenders operating in and around the city. Subsequent investigations indicated that these individuals were not acting independently but were part of a larger extremist network with ideological and operational links to Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Given the seriousness of the allegations and the suspected transnational terror connections, the probe was later handed over to the National Investigation Agency in October 2023. The agency began examining financial trails, communication networks, and the role of prison insiders in facilitating radical activities.
In its second supplementary chargesheet, the National Investigation Agency named Anees Fathima, Chan Pasha A., and Dr. Nagaraj S. as accused. They have been booked under multiple provisions of the Indian Penal Code, the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, the Explosive Substances Act, the Prevention of Corruption Act, and the Karnataka Prisons Act.
Earlier, the agency had already chargesheeted nine individuals, including absconder Junaid Ahmed. With the addition of these three names, the scope of the investigation has widened significantly, highlighting the layered nature of the alleged conspiracy.
Investigators revealed that the accused had allegedly planned to execute terror activities in Bengaluru with the objective of undermining India’s sovereignty and internal security. These plans were reportedly aligned with the broader agenda of Lashkar-e-Taiba and involved logistical support, financial transfers, and secure communication channels.
A key component of the conspiracy was an alleged plan to facilitate the escape of T. Naseer, a life convict involved in multiple terror cases. At the time, Naseer was being escorted from prison to court in connection with the 2008 Bengaluru serial blast cases. The conspiracy aimed to exploit weaknesses in prison security and escort arrangements.
According to the National Investigation Agency, Anees Fathima, the mother of absconding accused Junaid Ahmed, played a crucial logistical role in the conspiracy. She allegedly provided funds and other support to T. Naseer while he was lodged in Parappana Agrahara Central Prison in Bengaluru.
The investigation also pointed to her involvement in handling prohibited items such as hand grenades and walkie-talkies, acting on instructions received from her son. Additionally, she allegedly served as a communication link between different accused individuals involved in the plot.
Further findings suggested that Anees Fathima was instrumental in harbouring prime accused Salman Khan after the case came to light. She allegedly assisted him in evading arrest by arranging travel documents that enabled his escape to Dubai.
Salman Khan was later extradited to India from the Republic of Rwanda, underscoring the international dimensions of the case. This aspect of the investigation revealed how local support networks can aid cross-border terror operations.
The second accused, Chan Pasha A., served as an Assistant Sub-Inspector with the City Armed Reserve in Bengaluru. The agency alleged that he accepted illegal gratification from Salman Khan in exchange for sharing sensitive information related to the escort movement of T. Naseer.
Chan Pasha reportedly came into contact with Naseer during official escort duties. The sharing of confidential security details is believed to have significantly increased the risk of an attempted prison escape and potential terror strike.
The third accused, Dr. Nagaraj S., was a psychiatrist deputed at the Central Prisons Hospital within Parappana Agrahara. Investigators found that he had allegedly smuggled mobile phones into the prison premises and sold them to inmates for cash.
One of these mobile devices reportedly reached T. Naseer, enabling him to communicate with co-conspirators outside the prison. These communications were allegedly used to coordinate extremist activities and advance the terror plot.
The National Investigation Agency has stated that investigations in the case are still ongoing. Efforts are underway to trace other absconders and uncover additional layers of the conspiracy. The case is officially registered as RC-28/2023/NIA/DLI.
Authorities believe that the findings so far highlight serious vulnerabilities in prison administration and the potential misuse of official positions. The agency has emphasized its commitment to dismantling terror support networks and ensuring accountability at all levels.
