NIA books 12 LeT cadres who plotted assassination bid

The National Investigation Agency has filed a charegsheet against 12 persons accused of plotting the assassination of journalists and Hindu leaders, in a special court in Bengaluru.

In its chargesheet the NIA, which had taken over the investigation of the case from the Bengaluru police, states that the 12 Lashkar-e-Tayiba cadres had conspired to commit terrorist activities in India through a network of terrorists based abroad and associates in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.

In furtherance of the conspiracy hatched by them, the accused persons decided to kill selected targets -- prominent politicians and journalists in Bengaluru, Hubli, Hyderabad and Nanded --

with an intention of spreading terror and communal disharmony.

The accused had collected arms and ammunition, and stolen vehicles for committing the offences. In addition to receiving funds from co-conspirators through illegal means, the accused persons also made preparations for committing robberies for raising funds.

Further investigation is in progress against other accused who are absconding.