New Delhi, Jan 10 (NationPress) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against a ninth accused in the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) linked Bengaluru prison radicalisation incident.
In the supplementary chargesheet submitted to the NIA Special Court in Bengaluru, the accused, Vikram Kumar, also known as Chota Usman, hailing from Begusarai in Bihar, faces charges under section 120B of IPC, sections 17, 18, 20, 23, and 39 of UA(P) Act, along with section 120B in conjunction with section 6 of the Explosive Substances Act.
The NIA took charge of this case from the Bengaluru City Police in October 2023, following the recovery of arms, ammunition, and digital devices, including two walkie-talkies, from individuals who plotted to execute terror activities in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
The agency stated that the conspiracy aimed to advance the objectives of the banned terrorist group LeT, which seeks to undermine India’s unity, integrity, security, and sovereignty.
Accused Vikram Kumar connected with T. Naseer, a life convict in a terrorism case, at the Bengaluru Central Prison. While incarcerated for a murder case from 2017-18, he was radicalised by Naseer. After his release, Vikram maintained contact with Naseer and another fugitive, Junaid Ahmed.
In May 2023, upon instructions from Junaid, Vikram retrieved a parcel containing hand grenades and walkie-talkies from Ambala, Haryana, delivering it to co-accused in Bengaluru. These weapons were meant to aid Naseer in escaping during a court transfer. Junaid Ahmed also provided financial support to Vikram as part of the conspiracy to promote LeT activities.
Previously, in January 2024, the NIA had filed charges against eight individuals, including the absconder Junaid Ahmed. Investigations for the case RC-28/2023/NIA/DLI, which began in July 2023, are ongoing as authorities continue efforts to locate the fugitive.
