Bengaluru, May 2: A special court of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has convicted a prominent terrorist from the banned organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in connection with the radicalization case linked to Bengaluru jail in 2023.
The court sentenced Vikram Kumar, also known as Chhota Usman, to seven years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of ₹30,000 under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and the Explosive Substances Act.
Vikram is the eighth accused to be convicted in this case, which was re-registered by the NIA. Last month, the court sentenced seven other accused, including the alleged mastermind and LeT operative T. Nasir, who had conspired to radicalize inmates while being held at Parappana Agrahara Central Jail in connection with the 2008 Bengaluru serial bomb blasts.
The NIA’s investigation revealed that Vikram Kumar was radicalized and recruited in Bengaluru jail by Nasir and co-accused Junaid Ahmed. Even after his release, he maintained contact with both Nasir and Junaid. In May 2023, Vikram collected a cache of grenades and walkie-talkies from Ambala in Haryana and handed them over to a co-accused in Bengaluru.
According to the NIA’s findings, Vikram, who received financial assistance from Junaid, was also involved in a major conspiracy to help T. Nasir escape while being transported from jail to court. This conspiracy was part of LeT’s agenda to promote terrorist activities and undermine national security and sovereignty in India.
The case was originally registered in July 2023 by the Bengaluru Central Crime Branch (CCB) after seizing weapons, ammunition, and digital devices from habitual offenders. These criminals had planned a series of terrorist attacks in Bengaluru to further LeT’s activities. After taking over the case from the CCB, the NIA uncovered a larger conspiracy that included plans to aid Nasir’s escape.
The anti-terror agency has filed charges against 12 accused, including Junaid, who remains at large. Efforts to locate Junaid are ongoing.
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