Davangere: A 20-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh has been arrested in Karnataka’s Davangere district following intelligence inputs regarding alleged links to a Pakistan-based network and suspected extremist communications, officials said.
The accused, identified as Suhail, was apprehended in a joint operation involving local police and intelligence agencies after information was reportedly shared by the National Investigation Agency.
Arrest In Davangere
According to officials, Suhail is a resident of Shahjahanpur and had recently travelled to Karnataka for employment.
He was working as a painter at a factory in Harihar and was residing in a village under the jurisdiction of the Harihar Rural Police Station.
Police took him into custody on Tuesday after receiving intelligence inputs suggesting possible connections with individuals suspected of extremist activities.
Mobile Phone Under Investigation
Investigators reportedly examined Suhail’s mobile phone and recovered chats and digital material that are now being scrutinised.
According to police sources, some WhatsApp conversations allegedly indicated contact with individuals located in Pakistan. Authorities are currently verifying the nature and authenticity of those communications.
Officials have also recovered audio clips from the device, which are being analysed as part of the investigation.
Ram Mandir Conversation Allegedly Found
Sources familiar with the case said one of the audio recordings allegedly contained discussions related to a possible attack on the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
Investigators are examining whether the conversation represented a credible threat, mere discussion, or something else. Authorities have not publicly disclosed evidence indicating that an attack was imminent.
The contents of the recovered material remain under forensic examination.
Possible Link To Earlier Investigation
The arrest comes weeks after Karnataka Police detained two other suspects from the districts of Tumakuru and Davangere over alleged online contact with a Pakistan-based individual.
Investigators are examining whether Suhail’s case is connected to those earlier arrests and whether there was any broader network involved.
Government Response
Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge confirmed the arrest and said preliminary findings indicate that the accused had come to Karnataka seeking employment.
He added that information found on the suspect’s mobile phone prompted further action by authorities.
Officials have emphasised that the investigation is ongoing and that more details will emerge after forensic analysis and questioning are completed.
Investigation Continues
Police and central agencies are continuing to examine digital evidence, communication records and possible contacts linked to the accused.
At present, the allegations remain under investigation, and authorities have not announced any formal conclusions regarding the extent of the alleged network or the credibility of the suspected threat.