Bengaluru: In a major security operation, Hebbagodi police have arrested a 25-year-old man from West Bengal who is suspected to have links with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an organisation designated as a terrorist group by several governments. The accused, identified as Asphulla Mallik, was working as a security guard at a private company and was residing in Jigani.
According to preliminary findings cited by the police, Mallik was allegedly in contact with individuals linked to the TTP and had been discussing possible retaliatory attacks. Investigators are examining his social media activity, communications and other digital evidence to determine the extent of his links with the organisation and whether he had any concrete plans to carry out an attack.
The arrest comes a day after another suspected terror-linked individual was detained in Kalaburagi, putting security agencies in the state on heightened alert.
Social media activity led police to suspect him
Police sources said Mallik came under the scanner during routine monitoring of social media platforms. His online activities allegedly revealed material relating to the ideology of the TTP and posts concerning the Pakistan military and conflicts involving Muslims in different parts of the world.
The Hebbagodi police, led by Inspector Somashekar, reportedly monitored his activities for nearly a month before acting on the information. After gathering what they considered sufficient preliminary evidence, the police arrested him and began questioning him.
Investigators are now examining his digital devices and communication records to establish whom he had been communicating with and whether any other persons were involved.
Alleged contact with Afghanistan-based TTP-linked individual
During the investigation, police reportedly found that Mallik had established contact with an individual identified as Imran Ahinder, who was allegedly associated with the TTP and based in Afghanistan.
According to investigators, Mallik was allegedly influenced by the group’s ideology and had expressed anger against the Pakistan military over its alleged actions against Muslims in Pakistan. Police are examining whether these discussions remained ideological or developed into an actual plan for violence.
Investigators also reportedly found messages and audio recordings on his mobile phone in which references were allegedly made to taking revenge against the Pakistan military.
Police are also examining claims that Mallik had planned to travel to Afghanistan. He had reportedly obtained a passport and applied for a visa but did not ultimately travel to the country.
Afghanistan travel plan under investigation
Investigators suspect that Mallik may have intended to travel to Afghanistan and possibly undergo training before returning to India. However, police have not yet established whether such training actually took place or whether he had received any operational training.
The investigation is therefore focusing on his travel history, passport and visa records, contacts in Afghanistan and communications with suspected members or sympathisers of the TTP.
Police are also checking whether he had made preparations to obtain explosives, weapons or other materials that could have been used in an attack. At this stage, the authorities are investigating the allegations and have not publicly established that Mallik carried out or possessed the means to carry out any attack.
Second stint in Bengaluru
According to the police, Mallik had returned to Bengaluru for the second time and had been staying in the Jigani area. Another man from West Bengal was reportedly staying with him in the same room.
The second person has allegedly gone missing following the arrest and police are making efforts to trace him. Investigators are trying to establish whether he was aware of Mallik’s activities or had any connection with the alleged terror network.
Police are also examining financial transactions involving Mallik. Preliminary information reportedly indicates that he may have transferred money to certain organisations or individuals. The source of the money and the purpose of the alleged transactions are now being investigated.
Security agencies examining wider network
The police investigation is not limited to Mallik’s activities in Bengaluru. Investigators are examining his movements, contacts and online interactions to determine whether he was operating independently or was part of a wider network.
His mobile phone and social media accounts are expected to provide crucial information about his alleged contacts and activities. Police are also expected to examine call records, internet-based communications and financial transactions as part of the probe.
Officials are questioning Mallik extensively to determine whether he had identified potential targets, received instructions from anyone or attempted to recruit others. The arrest has raised concerns over the possibility of online radicalisation and the use of social media platforms to establish contact with overseas extremist networks.
