2012 Terror Case: Special NIA Court Sentences Three Accused To 10 Years In Prison

The five accused in the case were arrested earlier in 2012 from Nanded in Maharashtra by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) for conspiring to kill Hindu leaders and journalists to create unrest in the nation.

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Mumbai: The special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Mumbai on Tuesday sentenced three people to ten years in prison in connection with the 2012 terror case. Two others were, however, acquitted due to lack of evidence.

The five accused in the case were arrested earlier in 2012 from Nanded in Maharashtra by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) for conspiring to kill Hindu leaders and journalists to create unrest in the nation.

The court convicted Mohammed Akram, Mohammad Muzammil and Mohammed Sadique under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Arms Act and sentenced them to ten years' imprisonment, PTI reported.

Special Judge D.E. Kothalikar acquitted Mohammad Irfan and Mohammad Illiyas for want of evidence.

The case was later taken over by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

The accused Akram travelled to Saudi Arabia on the pretext of seeking employment, said the NIA, adding he was during his stay there introduced to various operatives of the Pakistan-based terror organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

The NIA said that he along with his handlers hatched a conspiracy while in the Saudi capital Riyadh to carry out targeted killings of prominent Hindu leaders, journalists and police officers in various parts of India.

The NIA told the court that the accused were subsequently arrested before they could execute the conspiracy in India.