Three arrested in Karnataka over suspected Pakistan terror links

A 23-year-old security guard from West Bengal was arrested in Bengaluru over alleged links with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), while two men working at a slaughterhouse on the outskirts of Kalaburagi were arrested over alleged social media contacts with suspected terror operatives.

Security guard arrested in Bengaluru

The Bengaluru accused, identified as Asaful Mallik from North 24 Parganas in West Bengal, was working as a security guard at a private firm in the Bommasandra Industrial Area. He was residing near APC Circle in Jigani.

Hebbagodi police arrested Mallik on Tuesday following information received from an informant. Police alleged that he had made voice calls to a TTP member and shared audio recordings.

During the investigation, police reportedly found conversations on his Facebook and WhatsApp accounts with a person identified as Imran Haider, who was allegedly connected with the TTP.

Police said Mallik had explored travelling to Afghanistan with the intention of joining the outfit but later dropped the plan due to financial difficulties and family responsibilities.

A case has been registered against him under Section 113(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Two arrested in Kalaburagi

Meanwhile, Kalaburagi police arrested Mohammad Sameer and Mohammad Salman, natives of Sitapur in Uttar Pradesh, from Tawaragera on the outskirts of the city.

The two men had reportedly moved to Kalaburagi around a year ago and were working at a slaughterhouse while staying in rented accommodation.

Kalaburagi Police Commissioner Dr Sharanappa SD said police had been monitoring social media accounts as part of efforts to detect illegal activities.

According to police, Sameer was allegedly in contact with Pakistan-based terror operatives through WhatsApp and Facebook. However, police said they had not yet established whether Salman had maintained any such contact.

A case has been registered at the University Police Station in Kalaburagi.