KOCHI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested three individuals, including a jail psychologist and a police officer, in connection with the smuggling of mobile phones to terror convicts lodged in Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Central Prison. Among the beneficiaries of the illicit communication devices was Thadiyantavida Nazeer, a key accused in several terror-related cases.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Dr. Nagaraj, a psychologist working at the jail, ASI Chan Pasha, and Anees Fathima — the mother of Junaid Ahmad, an accused who is currently absconding in a case related to terror funding.

According to NIA officials, Dr. Nagaraj allegedly provided mobile phones and walkie-talkies to inmates during visits under the guise of psychological counselling. Anees Fathima, along with another individual named Pavithra, is believed to have aided the doctor in the operation.

Raids at the residences of the accused led to the seizure of digital gadgets, gold, cash, and sensitive documents. The NIA claims that despite being behind bars, Nazeer used the smuggled devices to propagate extremist ideologies, raising serious concerns about prison security and internal collusion.