Bangaluru: The Bengaluru Police arrested a suspected terror operative associated with Pakistan’s Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) following a special operation in the Electronic City locality.
Asaful Mallick, a 25-year-old native of West Bengal, was working as a security guard in a reputed company in the Hebbagudi area, a stone’s throw away from some of India’s biggest software companies.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Electronic City) Narayana M said that the arrest was based on an ‘intelligence tip-off’ on Mallick, who is allegedly associated with the Pakistan-based terrorist group.
“He was in touch with them, spreading their ideology through Facebook, mobilising support, got influenced himself and was trying to influence others,” Narayana told reporters.
The arrest was carried out by the Hebbagodi Police on 11 August.
Mallick, according to the police, was in touch with the TTP and was plotting an attack on the Pakistan army.
The Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was officially listed by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in 2011, as an entity associated with Al-Qaida. The UNSC and the United States have both designated and banned the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan.
Police informers passed on information that Mallick was living in Jigani, leading the police to gather further intelligence on the suspect.
“Based on the information, the person was taken into custody at the Bommasandra Industrial Area on the outskirts of Hebbagodi police station and interrogated. Upon questioning, he told the police about the atrocities being committed by the Pakistan army on mosques and the people there in the neighbouring country,” Narayana said.
The suspect got acquainted with a TTP member from Afghanistan, Imran Haider, to join the banned outfit, according to the police
Mallick allegedly even tried to obtain a visa to go to Afghanistan, but changed his mind due to shortage of funds and his responsibility to take care of his family.
On inspection of his cell phone, the police said, it was found that Mallick had several interactions with Haider, including chats, voice calls and messages.
Mallick has been booked under Section 113(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) which penalizes anyone who conspires, attempts, abets, or knowingly facilitates a terrorist act or any preparatory action.
(Edited by Tony Rai)
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