A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Bengaluru on Saturday sentenced Vikram Kumar, also known as Chota Usman, to seven years of rigorous imprisonment for his involvement in a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)-linked terror conspiracy. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 30,000 on the 28-year-old convict, who was the ninth accused in the high-profile Bengaluru Central Prison radicalisation case.
Background of the Case
The conspiracy involved the identification and recruitment of gullible inmates of Bengaluru's Central Prison for carrying out terror acts across India. The module was led by T Naseer, a life convict and alleged LeT operative linked to the 2008 Bengaluru serial blasts. Seven other members of the module were sentenced to seven years of imprisonment in April.
Vikram Kumar's Radicalisation
Vikram Kumar, originally from Begusarai, Bihar, was serving time for a 2017 murder case when he came into contact with Naseer. Under Naseer's influence, Vikram was radicalised and later converted to Islam. After his release, he collaborated with absconding handler Junaid Ahmed.
Weapons Conspiracy
In May 2023, acting on Junaid's instructions, Vikram collected a parcel from Ambala, Haryana, containing hand grenades, walkie-talkies, and ammunition. According to investigations, these weapons were intended to facilitate Naseer's escape during a court transfer and to launch a fidayeen (suicide) attack in Bengaluru. The NIA took over the probe from the Bengaluru city police in October 2023.
Arrest and Guilty Plea
Vikram was arrested in September 2024 while already in custody for a separate plot investigated by the Delhi Police Special Cell. In July 2025, Vikram Kumar and seven other co-accused, including Naseer, filed applications before the NIA court pleading guilty to the charges.
