Bengaluru grenade case: NIA court convicts 7, uncovers chilling jailbreak and terror plot

Bengaluru : A special court of the National Investigation Agency has sentenced seven individuals to seven years in prison each in a high-profile case involving the seizure of a live grenade and a conspiracy to carry out attacks in Bengaluru.

The judgment, delivered on Tuesday, also includes a fine of ₹48,000 for each of the convicted persons. The court relied on extensive evidence and witness testimonies presented by the prosecution, led by Special Public Prosecutor Prasanna Kumar.

The case traces back to a 2023 operation by the Central Crime Branch, which uncovered a dangerous plot involving inmates of Parappana Agrahara Central Prison. Authorities found that the accused had hatched a plan to attack a police convoy and free terror suspect Tadiyandavide Naseer during transit.

Investigators revealed that the accused had established links with Naseer inside the prison and were allegedly influenced by his extremist ideology. The conspiracy involved the use of grenades, bombs, and firearms to overpower police personnel and facilitate his escape.

A raid conducted at a house in RT Nagar led to the recovery of explosive materials, including a live grenade, along with weapons and strategic documents. The seizure confirmed the seriousness of the threat and prompted the transfer of the case to the NIA.

The probe further exposed that the group had broader intentions of carrying out attacks in densely populated areas of the city, raising serious concerns about public safety. The involvement of a prison official added another layer of gravity to the case, highlighting lapses within the correctional system.

Authorities also stated that Naseer continued to influence inmates even while in custody, attempting to spread radical views and recruit supporters.

One of the prime accused, Junaid, is still on the run, and a cash reward has been  declared for information about his whereabouts. Officials believe he may have fled the country.

The conviction of the seven accused is being viewed as a crucial victory for investigative agencies and a strong message against terror-related conspiracies. The case also underscores the importance of vigilance within prison systems and the need for robust intelligence mechanisms to prevent such threats from materialising.