NIA Chargesheets Psychiatrist, Two Others in LeT-Linked Bengaluru Terror Plot

NEW DELHI, Jan 2: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has chargesheeted three accused, including a psychiatrist, in a 2023 Bengaluru terror conspiracy case linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), officials said on Friday.

In its second supplementary chargesheet filed before a Bengaluru court on Thursday, the NIA named Anees Fathima, Chan Pasha A and Nagaraj S under various 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.

The agency had taken over the case from Bengaluru City Police in October 2023 and had earlier chargesheeted nine accused, including absconder Junaid Ahmed.

The case, initially registered by city police in July 2023, pertains to the recovery of arms, ammunition and digital devices from habitual offenders who allegedly planned terror acts in Bengaluru to undermine India’s sovereignty and security, the NIA said.

According to investigators, the activities were aimed at advancing LeT’s agenda and were part of a larger conspiracy to facilitate the escape of T Naseer, a life convict in multiple terror cases, during his movement from prison to court. Naseer was an undertrial in the 2008 Bengaluru serial blast cases at the time.

Among the three chargesheeted, Anees Fathima—identified as Junaid’s mother—allegedly provided logistical support and funds to Naseer inside Parappana Agrahara Central Prison. She is also accused of handling hand grenades and walkie-talkies on her son’s directions and facilitating communication among the accused.

The NIA said Fathima played a key role in harbouring accused Salman Khan and helping him flee to Dubai by arranging travel documents. Salman was later extradited to India from Rwanda.

Chan Pasha A, an assistant sub-inspector with the City Armed Reserve (South), allegedly accepted illegal gratification from Salman Khan for sharing information related to Naseer’s escort details, the agency said.

Nagaraj S, a psychiatrist on deputation at the Central Prisons Hospital, Parappana Agrahara, allegedly smuggled mobile phones into the prison and sold them to inmates. One such phone reached Naseer, who used it to communicate with co-accused to further the terror conspiracy, the NIA added. (Agencies)