Three more charged in Bengaluru prison radicalisation case | Bengaluru News

Bengaluru: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) Thursday filed a second chargesheet in the 2023 Bengaluru prison radicalisation case linked to the proscribed terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, naming three additional accused. With this, the total number of accused charged has risen to 12.In the latest chargesheet, NIA has named prison psychiatrist Dr Nagaraj S, suspended City Armed Reserve (CAR) assistant sub-inspector Chand Pasha, and Anees Fathima, the mother of fugitive-accused Junaid Ahmed. The agency invoked 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.

NIA had earlier filed a preliminary chargesheet against nine accused in connection with the alleged radicalisation and terror-linked activities inside Bengaluru Central Prison.As per the agency, Fathima played a key logistical and financial role in supporting terror activities orchestrated from within the prison. Investigators said she provided funds and other assistance to T Naseer, a key accused lodged in the central prison. She was also allegedly involved in handling hand grenades and walkie-talkies on the instructions of her son, and facilitated communication between multiple accused.The agency further stated Fathima sheltered another key accused, Salman Khan, and helped him flee the country by arranging travel documents. Salman was later extradited to India from the Republic of Rwanda.Pasha, who was serving as an ASI with CAR-South, allegedly received illegal gratification from Salman. In return, he is accused of sharing sensitive information related to the escort movements of Naseer, with whom he had developed links while on prisoner escort duty.Dr Nagaraj, a psychiatrist deputed to the central prison hospital, allegedly smuggled mobile phones into the prison and sold them to inmates for cash. NIA said one such phone reached Naseer, who used it to communicate with co-accused and further the alleged terror conspiracy. The agency said investigation into the case will continue.