A 25-year-old man from West Bengal was arrested in Bengaluru for allegedly plotting an attack against the Pakistan Army with the help of a member of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), police said.
The accused, identified as Asaful Malik Bin Abed Malik, was detained on August 11 in Bengaluru's Bommasandra Industrial Area after police received information about his alleged plans. Malik, who worked as a security guard, was living in Jigani.
During questioning, investigators reportedly found that Malik had posted views on social media concerning alleged atrocities by the Pakistan Army against mosques and civilians in Pakistan. Police also said he had accused the military of supporting Israel in the Israel-Palestine conflict while failing to support Palestinian Muslims.
According to police, Malik allegedly established contact through Facebook with Imran Ahindar, whom they identified as a TTP member based in Afghanistan.
Investigators said Malik had sought Ahindar's help to retaliate against the Pakistan Army. He had allegedly taken steps to travel to Afghanistan, including securing a passport and applying for a visa, but ultimately did not make the journey.
Police said messages and audio recordings allegedly linked to Malik's plans were recovered from his mobile phone. He was subsequently arrested, and further investigation is underway.
A case has been registered at Hebbagodi police station under Section 113(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, which covers conspiracy, attempt, abetment or knowingly facilitating a terrorist act.
Police said the ongoing investigation will determine the extent of Malik's alleged association with the TTP and establish details of the purported attack plan.
