Pramesh S Jain
In a major development in the sensational 2023 terror conspiracy case that had shocked the city,the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has intensified its manhunt for a key absconding accused from Bengaluru and announced a cash reward of Rs.5 lakh for credible information leading to his arrest.
The accused,identified as Junaid Ahmed alias Junaid, has been on the run since the case was first unearthed in July 2023 by the Bengaluru City Crime Branch (CCB).
The agency has now put up posters at prominent locations across the city seeking public assistance in tracing him.
Massive Seizure in 2023
The case dates back to July 2023 when the CCB arrested five suspected terrorists and seized a large cache of explosives and arms.
The recoveries included:
4 live hand grenades,7 pistols,45 live bullets
Walkie-talkies and other incriminating materials
Investigators had then revealed that the accused were allegedly planning disruptive and destructive activities in Bengaluru.
The conspiracy was reportedly hatched by residents from the Hebbal,RT Nagar,and Kodigehalli police station limits.
Role of Junaid
According to investigators,Junaid was leading the module.He allegedly escaped soon after the case was cracked and has since been evading arrest by frequently changing identities.
The NIA has identified multiple aliases used by the absconding accused,including:
Junaid Ahmed,Junaid,JD,Jamsheda,John,Suhaan,DJ Ritz,Jameela,Janu.
Officials suspect that Junaid had links with the banned terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
Links to Previous Terror Cases
Sources indicate that Junaid is believed to be associated with a key accused in the 2008 serial blasts case and is suspected to have been in contact with radical elements while lodged in prison in connection with a 2017 murder case.
Investigators claim that after being released from jail, he reactivated his network and began planning subversive activities.
The case was later transferred from the Bengaluru CCB to the NIA for further investigation.Four Years on the Run
Despite sustained efforts,Junaid has managed to remain underground for nearly four years, allegedly operating under multiple fake identities.
The NIA is now seeking public cooperation and has assured confidentiality for informants.
Anyone with credible information about the whereabouts of the accused has been urged to contact the nearest NIA office or local police station.Further investigation is underway.
