In a significant development in a major terror conspiracy case, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has pressed charges against three additional individuals. This action is part of the ongoing probe into the 2023 Bengaluru prison radicalisation case, which has direct links to the banned Pakistan-based terror outfit, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
New Accused Named in Second Chargesheet
The federal anti-terror agency submitted its second supplementary chargesheet before a special court on Thursday. The document names Anees Fathima, Chan Pasha A, and Dr. Nagaraj S as the new accused. They have been charged under a stringent set of laws, including the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Explosive Substances Act, the Prevention of Corruption Act, and the Karnataka Prisons Act.
This case, which initially saw charges against nine individuals including absconder Junaid Ahmed, was taken over by the NIA from the Bengaluru City Police in October 2023. The original police case was registered in July 2023 following the seizure of arms, ammunition, and digital devices from habitual offenders who were allegedly plotting terror activities in the city, posing a grave threat to national security.
Details of the Alleged Conspiracy and Roles
Investigations have revealed that the accused were part of a larger conspiracy aimed at promoting the agenda of Lashkar-e-Taiba within the prison system. A key objective was to facilitate the escape of T Naseer, a life convict in multiple terror cases, including the 2008 Bengaluru serial blasts, while he was being transported from prison to court.
Anees Fathima, identified as the mother of absconding accused Junaid Ahmed, is alleged to have played a central role. The NIA claims she provided logistical support and funds to T Naseer inside the Parappana Agrahara Central Prisons. Furthermore, she is accused of handling hand grenades and walkie-talkies on her son's instructions and facilitating communication between various accused persons.
Her involvement reportedly extended to sheltering a prime accused, Salman Khan, and aiding his escape to Dubai by arranging travel documents. Salman was later extradited to India from Rwanda.
The chargesheet also implicates Chan Pasha A, an Assistant Sub-Inspector with the City Armed Reserve-South in Bengaluru. He is accused of receiving illegal gratification from Salman Khan in exchange for sharing sensitive details about the escort schedule of T Naseer, with whom he had established connections during prisoner escort duty.
Dr. Nagaraj S, a psychiatrist on deputation at the Central Prisons Hospital in Parappana Agrahara, is charged with illegally smuggling mobile phones into the prison and selling them to inmates for cash. The NIA stated that one such phone reached T Naseer, who used it to communicate with his co-accused and further the terror plot.
Ongoing Investigation and National Security Implications
The NIA has emphasized that its investigations are continuing vigorously under case number RC-28/2023/NIA/DLI. The agency remains focused on tracking down the absconders in this complex case. This development underscores serious concerns about radicalisation networks operating within prison systems and the potential corruption of public officials, highlighting a multi-pronged threat to internal security.
The charges illustrate a sophisticated plot involving funding, weapon handling, insider assistance from law enforcement and prison staff, and international escape routes. The case reaffirms the persistent efforts of terror groups to destabilize India and the continuous vigilance required by agencies like the NIA to dismantle such networks.
