The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested three individuals, including a prison psychiatrist and a City Armed Reserve policeman, in connection with the 2023 Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) prison radicalisation case. The arrests followed extensive searches across multiple locations in Karnataka.
Officials conducted raids at five premises in Bengaluru and Kolar districts, resulting in the arrest of Dr. Nagaraj, a psychiatrist at the Central Prison in Parappana Agrahara, Bengaluru; Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Chan Pasha; and Anees Fathima, mother of an absconding accused. Digital devices, cash, gold, and incriminating documents were recovered during the searches.
The case pertains to a broader LeT-linked conspiracy involving radicalisation and terror planning within Karnataka’s prison system. In 2023, arms, ammunition, explosives, and electronic devices — including two walkie-talkies — were recovered from a group of habitual offenders allegedly plotting terror strikes in Bengaluru.
According to the NIA, Dr. Nagaraj was allegedly involved in smuggling mobile phones into the prison for the use of key inmates, including Tadiyandaveed Naseer (also known as T. Naseer), a life-term convict in terror-related cases. He reportedly received assistance in these activities from an associate identified as Pavithra. Her residence was also among those searched.
The agency further stated that Anees Fathima, mother of absconding accused Junaid Ahmed, played a role in transmitting instructions from Naseer to her son. She is also suspected of helping raise funds that were then passed on to Naseer within the prison.
Assistant Sub-Inspector Chan Pasha has also come under scrutiny for his alleged role in 2022, wherein he is accused of leaking information about Naseer’s court escorts in exchange for financial gain.
The NIA has already filed a charge sheet against nine individuals, including the absconding Junaid Ahmed, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Arms Act, and Explosive Substances Act. Investigations are ongoing, with efforts underway to trace remaining suspects and disrupt further radicalisation efforts within the prison system.
NIA Arrests 3 Key Accused following Searches in Karnataka in LeT Prison Radicalisation Case pic.twitter.com/IHLuF501o4
— NIA India (@NIA_India) July 8, 2025
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