Tumakuru: In a significant operation based on intelligence inputs from central investigative agencies, Tumakuru city police have arrested a 24-year-old youth on allegations of maintaining contact with a foreign-based terrorist element and engaging in activities considered detrimental to national security.
The arrest has triggered a wider investigation into suspected online radicalisation networks and possible links between individuals operating from Karnataka and foreign-based extremist elements. Police officials have confirmed that the accused was taken into custody following specific intelligence alerts received from central agencies that had been monitoring his online activities for some time.
The arrested individual has been identified as Allabaksh (24), a resident of Sriramnagar in Tumakuru. According to investigators, he allegedly maintained continuous communication through social media platforms with an individual suspected to be associated with a foreign terrorist organisation.
Preliminary findings indicate that the accused had allegedly used his account on the social media platform X to establish and maintain contact with the foreign-based individual. Investigators suspect that the communication went beyond casual interaction and involved discussions relating to sensitive national issues and content capable of inciting unrest.
Police sources stated that the accused is alleged to have shared provocative messages and participated in online conversations that could potentially threaten public order and national security. Authorities are examining digital evidence recovered from the suspect’s devices to determine the nature, frequency and extent of the communications.
The case came to light after central intelligence and investigative agencies reportedly detected suspicious online activity linked to the accused. Officials monitoring extremist content and online networks are said to have observed repeated interactions between the Tumakuru resident and foreign-based individuals under surveillance.
Following a detailed assessment of the intelligence inputs, the information was passed on to Karnataka Police, prompting a coordinated operation. Acting on the leads, Tumakuru city police conducted a late-night operation in the Kyathasandra area and took the suspect into custody for questioning.
Officials familiar with the investigation indicated that the arrest is part of a broader effort to identify individuals who may be using social media platforms to establish connections with extremist networks operating outside the country. Security agencies have increasingly expressed concern over the use of encrypted messaging services and social media platforms for recruitment, propaganda dissemination and ideological radicalization.
Investigators are currently analyzing electronic devices, communication records and social media activity associated with the accused. Forensic experts are also expected to examine digital evidence to establish whether any laws relating to terrorism, unlawful activities or national security have been violated.
The investigation has taken on added significance after authorities received information about another individual who is believed to have been in close contact with the accused. Police suspect that the second person may have assisted or collaborated with him in some capacity.
Based on information gathered during the preliminary probe, a search operation has been launched to trace and apprehend the second suspect. Police teams are reportedly conducting searches at multiple locations and examining communication records to identify the individual’s whereabouts and role in the alleged activities.
Law enforcement agencies have not yet disclosed the identity of the second suspect, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. Officials say revealing further details at this stage could affect efforts to trace additional links and gather evidence.
A case has been registered at the Tumakuru City Police Station, and further investigation is underway. Senior police officials are coordinating with central agencies to determine whether the accused had connections extending beyond Karnataka or whether he was part of a larger network operating across multiple states.
Security experts note that online radicalisation has emerged as a major challenge for law enforcement agencies worldwide. Social media platforms have increasingly become avenues for extremist organizations to spread propaganda, influence vulnerable individuals and establish covert communication channels. As a result, intelligence agencies have significantly strengthened surveillance of suspicious online activity in recent years.
Authorities have emphasized that the investigation remains at a preliminary stage and that all allegations will be thoroughly examined through legal and forensic processes. Officials are expected to seek further custodial interrogation of the accused to uncover the full extent of his contacts, activities and possible associations.
