New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has intensified its manhunt for Junaid Ahmed, a suspected operative of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), who is the alleged mastermind behind a major terror plot to destabilise Bengaluru. A cash reward of Rs 5 lakh has been announced for any information leading to his arrest. The case dates back to July 2023, when the Central Crime Branch (CCB) of Bengaluru Police intercepted a massive terror module.
During the operation, police arrested five suspects and seized a significant cache of weaponry intended for subversive activities across the city. The seized items included 4 live grenades,7 pistols, 45 rounds of live ammunition,Walkie-talkies and other electronic devices. The suspects, residents of Hebbal, RT Nagar and Kodigehalli, were allegedly planning a series of blasts under the direct leadership of Junaid.
How Junaid Walked On Path to Terrorism
Investigations revealed that Junaid’s path to terrorism began in Bengaluru Prison. While serving time for a 2017 murder case, he came into contact with T Naseer, the mastermind behind the 2008 Bengaluru serial blasts.
Police allege that Naseer radicalised Junaid and his associates within the jail walls. Upon his release, Junaid allegedly began coordinating with LeT handlers to execute a major strike in Bengaluru.
Junaid has been on the run for nearly four years, successfully evading multiple law enforcement agencies. To stay off the radar, he is known to use at least nine different names.
Following the gravity of the CCB’s findings, the case was officially handed over to the NIA. The agency has now launched a massive public awareness campaign, pasting posters featuring Junaid’s photos in prominent locations.
The NIA has assured that the identity of any informant providing credible leads on Junaid’s whereabouts will be kept strictly confidential.
