New Delhi: A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court sentenced seven individuals, including Lashkar-e-Taiba operative T. Naseer, to seven years of rigorous imprisonment on Wednesday in connection with a 2023 terror radicalisation plot within the city's prison system.

In addition to Naseer, the court handed down sentences and imposed fines of Rs 48,000 each to Syed Suhail Khan, Mohammed Umar, Zahid Tabrez, Syed Mudassir Pasha, Mohammed Faisal Rabbani, and Salman Khan. The sentencing followed a formal admission of guilt by the defendants regarding charges brought by the NIA.

The case centred on a conspiracy orchestrated by Naseer from within the Parappana Agrahara Central Prisons. According to an NIA statement, the plot involved the identification, recruitment, and radicalisation of inmates, with the ultimate goal of converting them to execute terrorist activities across India.

Origins of the Investigation

The investigation began in July 2023, when the Bengaluru Central Crime Branch (CCB) seized a cache of weapons, ammunition, and electronic devices from a group of habitual offenders. Authorities determined that these individuals intended to launch terror attacks in Bengaluru to further the violent, anti-India objectives of the proscribed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) organisation.

Upon assuming control of the case, the NIA uncovered a more extensive scheme designed to facilitate Naseer’s escape. The plan allegedly involved an ambush while he was being transported from the prison to a court appearance. At the time of the conspiracy, Naseer was serving a life sentence for previous terror convictions and was an under-trial prisoner for the 2008 Bengaluru serial blasts.

Legal Proceedings and Extradition

The NIA has filed charges against 11 arrested individuals and one fugitive, identified as Junaid Ahmed. Notably, defendant Salman Khan was brought to justice after being extradited from the Republic of Rwanda, a result the agency attributed to coordinated efforts with Rwandan authorities.

While seven of the accused have now been sentenced following their guilty pleas, the NIA stated that operations remain active to locate and apprehend the absconding Junaid Ahmed.

With inputs from PTI