Kalaburagi: The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has detained two men from Kalaburagi district for their alleged links with Pakistan and the Islamic State (ISIS), following specific intelligence inputs from central agencies.
The two suspects, identified as Mohammed Sameer and Salman, were detained from the outskirts of Malagatti and Uplav villages in Kalaburagi taluk. According to the information available, both men are natives of Uttar Pradesh and were working at Fair Exports, a factory involved in meat exports.
The operation was reportedly carried out jointly by the Uttar Pradesh ATS and Kalaburagi police based on intelligence inputs regarding the suspects’ alleged contacts with individuals and networks linked to Pakistan and ISIS.
Police sources said the suspects were allegedly in regular contact with Pakistan-based individuals and suspected extremist networks through social media platforms. WhatsApp calls and Facebook were reportedly among the channels used for communication.
During the operation, investigators reportedly recovered some maps from the room where Sameer was staying. The nature and purpose of the maps are yet to be established, and officials are examining whether they have any connection with the alleged activities being investigated.
Following their detention, the two suspects were taken to an undisclosed location in Kalaburagi for questioning by Uttar Pradesh ATS officials. Investigators are reportedly attempting to establish the nature and extent of their alleged links with extremist organisations and determine whether they were acting independently or as part of a wider network.
The case reportedly came to light during inter-state monitoring of social media activity. Police agencies had been monitoring several social media accounts suspected of being involved in activities considered hostile to the country.
According to police sources, investigators noticed Sameer’s alleged interaction with a Facebook page operated by individuals based in Pakistan, along with other online platforms suspected of promoting anti-national activities. The information was subsequently shared with the concerned agencies, leading to further surveillance and the joint operation in Kalaburagi.
Officials are now examining the digital communications of the suspects to determine the identities of people with whom they were allegedly in contact. Investigators are also looking into the frequency and nature of their communications, as well as whether the contacts involved any instructions, financial transactions or other forms of assistance.
The questioning is expected to focus particularly on Sameer’s alleged connections, given the recovery of maps from his room and the reported social media interactions. Officials are trying to ascertain whether he had links with any specific terrorist organisation and whether other individuals in Karnataka or elsewhere were part of the alleged network.
Police are also examining the background of the two suspects, including their movements, employment history and activities in Kalaburagi. Investigators are likely to verify whether their stay in the district was solely related to employment or whether other activities require scrutiny.
The development comes amid increased monitoring of suspected online extremist networks and their alleged attempts to establish contacts across states. Security agencies have been relying on intelligence inputs and social media surveillance to identify individuals suspected of maintaining contact with foreign-based extremist elements.
A case has been registered at the University police station in Kalaburagi in connection with the matter. Further details are expected to emerge after the ATS completes its interrogation and verifies the material allegedly recovered during the operation.
