Bidar: A 24-year-old man from Bidar district has been arrested over alleged links with Pakistan-based terrorist Shahzad Bhatti and an illegal arms-trafficking network, with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) taking up further proceedings with the assistance of Bidar police.
The accused, identified as Vishal Kumar Metre from Yenakoor village in Bhalki taluk, was arrested following an investigation into alleged communications with members of banned terrorist organisations and people suspected of involvement in the illegal trafficking and sale of firearms. The allegations are based on the FIR and remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.
Case registered under UAPA and BNS
The case was registered at Khatak Chincholi Police Station following a complaint by Hanmareddeppa, Circle Inspector of the Bhalki Rural Circle.
Police have invoked Sections 18, 20 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, along with Sections 61(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
The UAPA sections relate to alleged conspiracy or attempts connected with terrorist activities, membership of a terrorist organisation and providing support to such an organisation.
According to the FIR, police had been acting on intelligence inputs and conducting an investigation into the suspected network since December 2025.
Police allege contacts with Pakistan-based suspects
According to investigators, an examination of Metre’s mobile phone and social media accounts allegedly revealed communications with Shahzad Bhatti and his associates Rana Hunain and Nomi Khan.
Police allege that the communications included discussions concerning the illegal trafficking and sale of firearms.
The FIR also names Ashu Sharma from Uttar Pradesh and Raj Bhai alias Lucky Singh from Madhya Pradesh. Investigators are examining the alleged connections between the individuals and whether they formed part of a wider network involved in illegal arms transactions.
Police also allege that Metre was connected through WhatsApp and Instagram with individuals associated with the suspected network.
WhatsApp channels under investigation
The FIR states that Rana Hunain allegedly sent Metre links to WhatsApp channels identified as ‘Rahe Haq’ and ‘RANA BHAI 333’.
Investigators allege that Metre joined the channels and viewed posts and videos that they consider hostile to India and potentially prejudicial to the country’s unity and sovereignty.
The content and the nature of Metre’s involvement with the channels are now part of the investigation.
The police allegations do not by themselves establish guilt, and the investigation is expected to examine the context of the communications, the material accessed and whether there was any operational involvement beyond online contact.
Police claim intelligence operation began in 2025
According to the FIR, police received information around 3 am on October 2 regarding Metre’s alleged communications with members of banned organisations and people involved in illegal arms trafficking.
A police team led by the Bhalki Rural Circle Inspector reached Yenakoor village at around 3.30 am, where Metre was found near a house.
During questioning, he reportedly told police that he had been pursuing a BBA course, although the course remained incomplete.
The FIR states that Metre initially denied having links with terrorist organisations or involvement in illegal arms trafficking. Police subsequently examined his mobile phone and social media accounts, which investigators say led to the discovery of the alleged contacts.
Alleged plan involving his father
The case also contains a separate allegation that Metre had planned to obtain a firearm and target his father, Vijaykumar, allegedly over a family property dispute.
According to the allegations, Metre was unhappy over his father’s separation from his mother and an alleged dispute concerning family property and agricultural land.
These allegations are part of the wider investigation and have not been established in court.
The investigation will have to determine whether the alleged plan existed and whether it was connected in any way to the broader allegations involving the suspected arms network.
Family denies terror and arms allegations
Metre’s family has denied the allegations against him and claimed that the case is linked to a property dispute.
Relatives have said that Metre had been working in Bengaluru and was pursuing his education. They have denied that he had any connection with terrorist organisations or illegal arms trafficking.
The family has also alleged that police searched their home in connection with the investigation.
The competing claims are now part of the legal process, while investigators continue to examine the evidence collected from Metre’s phone and other sources.
NIA takes over further proceedings
Following the arrest, Metre was handed over to NIA officials for further proceedings. The central agency is examining the alleged connections with Shahzad Bhatti and other individuals named in the case.
The investigation is expected to focus on the accused’s digital communications, alleged arms-trafficking discussions, social-media activity and the identities and activities of other persons named in the FIR.
Investigators are also examining whether the suspected contacts were part of a larger network and whether there were any physical movement of weapons or financial transactions associated with the alleged activities.
Police continue investigation
Bidar Superintendent of Police Pradeep Gunti said court proceedings were under way and that further details would be provided after the proceedings.
The case has been registered as Crime No. 83/2026 at Khatak Chincholi Police Station.
The investigation remains at an early stage, and the allegations against Metre and the other individuals named in the FIR will have to be tested through the judicial process.
The arrest and transfer of the case to the NIA mark the latest development in an investigation that began with intelligence inputs concerning alleged online contacts and suspected arms-trafficking links.
Conclusion
Bidar: A 24-year-old man, Vishal Kumar Metre, has been arrested over alleged links with Pakistan-based terrorist Shahzad Bhatti and an illegal arms-trafficking network. Police have registered a case under the UAPA and BNS, while the NIA has taken up further proceedings.
The FIR alleges online communications, arms-related discussions and links with several individuals. Metre’s family has denied the allegations and attributed the case to a property dispute. The allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.