CHIKKABALLAPUR: Chikkaballapur City Police have arrested two men, including a resident and a person from North India, for allegedly conspiring through a Telegram group to facilitate terrorist activities and create violence in different parts of the country.
The arrested men have been identified as Shabbir, a resident of Bapujinagar in Chikkaballapur city, and Salman, who is originally from North India. Police said the arrests followed inputs from the state intelligence department, which had reportedly monitored Shabbir’s social media activity for some time.
According to investigators, the case came to light after intelligence officials noticed Shabbir’s interactions with social media posts allegedly linked to extremist and terrorist content. Investigators subsequently monitored his Instagram activity and shared the information with Chikkaballapur City Police. Acting on the intelligence inputs, police detained Shabbir and seized his mobile phone. During the device examination, investigators checked his Instagram account and Telegram communications. Police allegedly found provocative messages and discussions relating to terrorism in a closed Telegram group.
The investigation subsequently led police to Salman, who was allegedly associated with the group. Police said eight people had formed a Telegram group and were allegedly discussing terrorist activities and related plans. Investigators are now working to identify the remaining members of the group and establish their locations and alleged roles.
Police said the accused had allegedly watched and shared provocative videos and subsequently discussed terrorism and violent activities through the messaging platform. Investigators are examining the conversations to determine whether they amounted to a criminal conspiracy or remained online discussions. A major focus of the investigation is the alleged planning of attacks and the methods the group discussed. Police are examining digital evidence to determine whether the members took any concrete steps toward carrying out the alleged plans.
According to preliminary information gathered by investigators, the group allegedly discussed ways of raising money for terrorist activities. Police are examining claims that members discussed targeting wealthy individuals to obtain money and subsequently using the funds for activities intended to create violence and unrest. Investigators are verifying these allegations and checking whether there was any movement of money, communication with other networks or other preparations connected with the alleged plan. Police have not disclosed details of any weapons or explosives being recovered from the accused.
Another aspect under investigation is the alleged discussion about targeting prominent political leaders. Earlier findings cited by the police indicated that the Telegram group allegedly contained discussions relating to attacks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Investigators are examining the context of these conversations and whether any specific preparations accompanied them. Police are also trying to establish whether the accused had any direct links with individuals or organisations involved in terrorist activities.
Chikkaballapur Superintendent of Police Padmini Sahu said the investigation was in its early stages and that the background and contacts of both accused were being examined. “Two accused have been arrested in connection with discussions about terrorism on Telegram. Neither of the arrested persons has a known terrorist background at present. However, the investigation has been intensified,” Sahu said.
She said police registered a case at Chikkaballapur City Police Station and would seek custody of the accused for further questioning. A case has been registered at Chikkaballapur City Police Station. The accused, who are currently in judicial custody, will be taken into police custody and questioned further as part of the investigation,” Sahu said.
The SP said the police were also examining the digital conversations recovered from the accused’s mobile phone. “We will collect complete information about the discussions that took place through the mobile phone and conduct a detailed investigation,” she said. The police are now attempting to reconstruct the alleged online network and establish how the Telegram group functioned. Investigators are examining the communication patterns, contacts, digital accounts and other electronic evidence associated with the accused.
Identifying the remaining members of the alleged eight-member group is a key part of the investigation. Police suspect that the members were located in different parts of the country and are working to establish their identities and determine the nature of their communications with Shabbir and Salman.
Investigators are also examining the background of the two arrested men, their previous online activity and their contacts. Their mobile phones and digital accounts are expected to provide further leads regarding the alleged discussions. Police are also verifying whether the alleged plans discussed in the group ever translated into physical preparations. Officials have not said that any terrorist attack was carried out by the accused or that a specific attack was successfully planned.
