NIA Secures Extradition of LeT Operative Salman Khan from Rwanda in Bengaluru Prison Terror Case
In a landmark victory against transnational terrorism, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has successfully secured the extradition of Salman Rehman Khan, a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative, from Rwanda. Salman’s extradition marks a significant chapter in the Bengaluru Prisons terror conspiracy case, underscoring the agency’s resolve to dismantle global terror networks.
The Extradition Saga
Salman, who had been on the run since the unearthing of a terror module linked to Bengaluru Central Prison, was apprehended in Kigali, Rwanda, on November 27, 2024. His arrest and subsequent extradition were the result of a coordinated operation involving the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), Interpol, and National Central Bureaus (NCBs). The move follows an Interpol Red Notice based on a Non-Bailable Warrant (NBW) issued by the NIA Special Court in Bengaluru.
On arrival in India, Salman was formally taken into NIA custody. The agency, in its official statement, highlighted the collaborative effort that made the extradition possible. This case is yet another testament to the growing international cooperation in tackling terrorism.
Origins of the Bengaluru Prisons Terror Conspiracy
The roots of the case date back to October 2023, when the NIA took over the investigation from Bengaluru City Police. Salman had been under scrutiny for his alleged role in the radicalization and recruitment of inmates at Bengaluru Central Prison. Investigations revealed that he was influenced by T Naseer, a convicted terrorist and LeT operative serving a life sentence. Naseer reportedly masterminded a recruitment drive inside the prison, plotting escapes and planning terror activities with radicalized inmates.
Salman, who was imprisoned between 2018 and 2022 for a POCSO Act conviction, is believed to have acted as a key conduit for Naseer’s operations. After his release, he allegedly aided the terror network by facilitating the procurement of explosives and resources for planned attacks. When the conspiracy was uncovered, Salman fled India, leading to the issuance of the Red Notice that culminated in his capture in Rwanda.
The Role of Global Collaboration
This extradition highlights the critical role of international alliances in combating terrorism. Rwanda’s swift action in arresting and extraditing Salman underscores its commitment to ensuring that its territory does not become a sanctuary for global criminals. In a statement, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau emphasized its resolve to fight cross-border crime, marking this extradition as a milestone in international cooperation.
A Broader Context: The NIA’s Global Pursuit
Salman’s extradition is not an isolated success for the NIA. Since 2020, the agency has orchestrated the extradition or deportation of 17 individuals involved in major terror cases. The list includes notorious operatives like Khalistani extremists Tarsem Singh Sandhu and Bikramjit Singh, deported from the UAE and Austria, respectively.
Just last month, Baljeet Singh, a Khalistan Tiger Force operative, was deported from the UAE. These efforts underscore the NIA’s unwavering commitment to pursuing fugitives across borders and ensuring they face justice in India.
Implications for Counterterrorism
The successful extradition of Salman Khan demonstrates India’s evolving capability in global counterterrorism operations. It also highlights the importance of leveraging diplomatic and law enforcement partnerships to address complex security challenges. As the NIA continues to tighten the net around terror networks, cases like these serve as a reminder of the persistent threats posed by radicalization and the critical need for vigilance at both national and international levels.
By bringing Salman Khan to justice, the NIA has not only struck a blow against Lashkar-e-Taiba’s operations but has also sent a clear message to fugitives worldwide: there is no safe haven for those who threaten peace and security.
