Kalaburagi: Karnataka Police are investigating the alleged links of an arrested suspected terrorist with individuals of Pakistani origin and groups linked to terrorist organisations operating from Pakistan.
The accused, Mamtaz Mallik, a youth from West Bengal, was arrested by investigating agencies in Kalaburagi, North Karnataka, on Sunday. Police have registered a case and are examining his alleged links with terrorist organisations and individuals suspected of anti-India activities.
The FIR was registered at Brahmapura police station following a complaint by Chowk Police Inspector Susheel Kumar. The case has been filed under Sections 113(3) and 197(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Section 113(3) deals with activities such as conspiring, attempting, aiding or knowingly facilitating a terrorist act or its preparation. Section 197(1) relates to allegations that a group of people cannot bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution or uphold India’s sovereignty on grounds including religion, race, language, caste, region or community.
Police Examine WhatsApp Group and Suspected LeT Connection
During the investigation, police reportedly found that Mallik had been in contact with individuals and groups allegedly linked to terrorist outfits through WhatsApp and Instagram.
According to investigators, Mallik was a member of a WhatsApp group named ‘Imam Mahdi’. During questioning, he reportedly told police that a person identified as Jainul Abdin, allegedly from Pakistan, had added him to the group.
Investigators have gathered information suggesting that Abdin was allegedly working as a commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a Pakistan-based terrorist organisation. Police are now examining this lead to establish the nature of the alleged connection.
The investigators have not yet established the full extent of Mallik’s alleged links with the group. They are continuing to verify the information gathered during questioning.
Instagram Activity and Mobile Phone Under Scanner
Police also found that Mallik was following Instagram pages named ‘Kashmir Tiger 313’, ‘I Love Pakistan, I Love Kashmir’ and ‘Major_Iqbal_ISI’.
According to the police, he had allegedly followed and liked videos and reels related to Pakistan. Investigators have also examined photographs and videos stored on his mobile phone as part of the probe.
The police are collecting digital evidence to trace his online activities, contacts and possible network. The investigation will seek to establish whether the accused had any direct involvement in activities linked to terrorist organisations.
Officials are continuing to verify the leads and examine the digital material gathered during the investigation.
