Bengaluru: Bengaluru police have detained a 25-year-old man from West Bengal over alleged online links with a person suspected of being associated with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and an alleged plan to travel to Afghanistan and join the outfit.
The man, identified as Asafool Mallik, was detained in the Jigani area following information received by the police about his alleged suspicious online activities and possible links with terror-related networks.
Police said Mallik is a native of Naopara village in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district. He had been living near APC Circle in Jigani and was working as a security guard at Tata Advanced Limited in the Jigani Industrial Area since December 2025.
Police receive information about suspicious activities
According to the police, information about Mallik emerged while officers were conducting patrols in the Bommasandra Industrial Area.
Following the information, police began examining his activities and questioned him about his alleged online interactions and contacts.
Investigators subsequently examined his mobile phone as part of the inquiry. Police claim that they found chats, voice calls and audio conversations involving Mallik and a person identified as Imran Haider from Afghanistan.
According to the police, Haider is believed to be associated with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
The investigators are now examining the material recovered from Mallik’s phone to establish the nature and extent of the alleged connection.
Alleged plan to travel to Afghanistan
Police claim that Mallik had allegedly contacted Haider through Facebook and sought his assistance to travel to Afghanistan.
According to the investigators, Mallik had also applied for a visa as part of the alleged plan.
However, police said Mallik told them that he subsequently abandoned the plan because of financial difficulties and family responsibilities.
Investigators are examining whether the alleged travel plan progressed beyond online communication and whether Mallik had any additional contacts or arrangements linked to the proposed journey.
Police examine alleged motive
During questioning, Mallik allegedly told police that he was angry over what he believed were atrocities against Muslims by the Pakistani military, including alleged attacks on mosques and civilians.
Police also said he had expressed anger over Pakistan’s position on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Investigators claim that Mallik was allegedly being encouraged to retaliate if Muslims faced difficulties in India.
The police are examining these statements as part of their effort to understand the motivation behind his alleged online activities and contacts.
However, the allegations remain subject to investigation, and the claims made during questioning will have to be established through further evidence and the legal process.
Mobile phone becomes key part of investigation
The mobile phone allegedly used by Mallik has become a key part of the police investigation.
According to the police, investigators found conversations between Mallik and Haider, along with records of several voice calls and audio conversations.
The contents of these communications are being examined to determine whether they involved discussions about joining a terror organisation, travelling abroad or planning any form of retaliatory activity.
Investigators are also expected to establish whether Mallik had communicated with other individuals connected to terror networks.
The examination of digital evidence could help police determine the duration of the alleged contact, the nature of the relationship between the two individuals and whether any concrete plans were developed.
Mallik was working as security guard
Mallik had been residing in Jigani after moving from West Bengal and had been employed as a security guard at Tata Advanced Limited in the Jigani Industrial Area since December 2025.
His employment and residential details are also being examined as part of the investigation.
Police are likely to verify his movements, communication records and activities during his stay in Bengaluru to determine whether there were any other suspicious contacts or activities.
The investigation is also expected to focus on whether the alleged online interactions were limited to Mallik and Haider or involved a wider network.
Investigation continues
The police have not yet disclosed the complete contents of the alleged conversations or the full extent of the evidence recovered from Mallik’s mobile phone.
Investigators are examining chats, voice recordings and other digital material to establish the nature of the alleged links and determine whether the proposed travel to Afghanistan was connected to an attempt to join the TTP.
The case highlights the importance of monitoring online contacts and digital communications in investigations involving suspected extremist networks. At the same time, the allegations against Mallik remain allegations until they are established through investigation and judicial proceedings.
Police are continuing to examine the evidence and other aspects of the case to determine whether further action is warranted.