‘Chhota Usman’ sentenced to 7 years of imprisonment

Case of plotting a terrorist attack from Bengaluru prison

Bengaluru (Karnataka) – Terrorist Vikram Kumar alias ‘Chhota Usman’, associated with ‘Lashkar-e-Taiba’, has been sentenced to 7 years of rigorous imprisonment by a special court of the National Investigation Agency. The sentence also includes a fine of ₹30,000. The punishment has been awarded in connection with the case of plotting a terrorist attack from Bengaluru prison in the year 2023. So far, 8 individuals have been convicted in this case.

1. While lodged in prison, Chhota Usman became radicalised and came into contact with T. Nasir and co-accused Junaid Ahmed. Even after his release, he remained in continuous contact with them. In May 2023, he had transported hand grenades from Ambala in Haryana to another accused in Bengaluru. He was also involved in a conspiracy to help T. Nasir escape while being escorted by the police from prison to court.

Special court has sentenced another key LeT operative, Vikram Kumar @ Chota Usman, to 7 years RI, with fine, in the 2023 Bengaluru prison radicalisation case. Total convictions in the case has gone up to 8. pic.twitter.com/cMfl0RIC7g

— NIA India (@NIA_India) May 2, 2026

2. The case came to light in July 2023, when the Bengaluru Central Crime Branch seized weapons, ammunition, and communication devices from the accused who were plotting a terrorist attack in the city. Later, in October 2023, the National Investigation Agency exposed a large network operating inside the prison that was radicalising and recruiting youth.