The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has initiated searches at 17 locations across seven states as part of its ongoing investigation into the Bengaluru prison radicalization case. The operation, conducted in connection with the radicalization of prisoners by a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist in a Bengaluru prison, aims to uncover crucial evidence and apprehend individuals involved in the case.
During the raids, two individuals were arrested from Chennai in connection with a terror funding case. The investigation revealed that a significant sum of money, amounting to Rs 1 lakh and traced back to Dubai, was deposited into an account linked to the LeT operative and mastermind, T Naseer. The apprehended individuals, identified as Thameem Ashok and Hassan Ali, were taken into custody from Chennai. Ashok, employed at a jewellery shop in T Nagar, has connections to the case, prompting searches at his father's residence in Ramanathapuram as well.
The module under investigation is suspected to have ties to the recent blast at Bengaluru's Rameshwaram Cafe, according to insider sources. The case originally surfaced following the seizure of arms and ammunition, including pistols, grenades, live rounds, and walkie-talkies, last July. Subsequently, six individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, with one suspect, Junaid Ahmed, still at large.
The central role of LeT operative T Naseer in radicalizing individuals within Bengaluru's Parappana Agrahara Central Prison underscores the gravity of the situation. The NIA took over the case last October and has been actively pursuing leads, including conducting searches at various locations linked to the suspects. As the investigation unfolds, authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and ensure the safety and security of the nation.