NIA raids 17 locations across 7 states in Bengaluru prison radicalisation probe

• NIA conducts raids at 17 locations in seven states as part of the Bengaluru prison radicalisation probe
• T Naseer, a LeT terrorist serving a life sentence, is accused of radicalising inmates and planning terror attacks
• Investigation reveals intricate network of radicalisation, recruitment, and thwarted terror plots within the Bengaluru central prison

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids at 17 locations in seven states on Tuesday as part of its ongoing investigation into the Bengaluru prison radicalisation case. T Naseer, a life imprisonment convict and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist, is accused of radicalising several individuals within the Bengaluru central prison, allegedly inciting them to carry out terror attacks in the country. The case was initially registered by the Bengaluru City Police following the seizure of arms and ammunition, including pistols, hand grenades, and live rounds, in July 2023. NIA took over the probe on October 25, 2023, and had previously conducted raids on December 13, 2023.

It remains uncertain if NIA's recent raids are linked to the Friday blast at a popular cafe in Bengaluru, but authorities are exploring possible connections. In the Bengaluru prison radicalisation case, NIA has already charged eight individuals, including Naseer and two absconders. Naseer, serving a life sentence since 2013, is accused of radicalising inmates like Junaid Ahmed and Salman Khan, who are suspected to have fled abroad. The agency has revealed a complex network of radicalisation, recruitment, and planned attacks orchestrated by Naseer and his associates, which were thwarted by law enforcement interventions.