West Bengal man arrested in Bengaluru over alleged TTP plot

Bengaluru police have arrested a 25-year-old man from West Bengal who allegedly conspired with a member of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to join the outfit and plan retaliatory attacks against the Pakistan Army and India, according to a police press release.

Asaful Mallik, son of Abed Mallik, was arrested from the Bommasandra Industrial Area on August 11 after police received information that he was allegedly conspiring to carry out an attack against the Pakistan Army.

Mallik, who is originally from Naupar village in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district, was living in Jigani, Bengaluru, and working as a security guard, police said.

According to the release, Mallik came into contact with Imran Ahinder, an alleged TTP member based in Afghanistan, through Facebook.

Police said Mallik was allegedly influenced by what he perceived as atrocities committed by the Pakistan Army against mosques and civilians in Pakistan, as well as its alleged support for Israel in the Israel-Palestine conflict.

The release said Mallik allegedly intended to join the TTP and seek revenge against the Pakistan Army. With the assistance of Ahinder, he obtained a passport and applied for a visa to travel to Afghanistan. However, he did not eventually travel to the country, police said.

Police said they recovered messages and audio recordings from Mallik's mobile phone that allegedly indicated his intention to seek revenge against the Pakistan Army.

Mallik has been arrested, and further investigation is underway, police said.

A case has been registered at Hebbagodi police station under Section 113(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), relating to conspiracy, abetment, attempt, advocacy, incitement or knowing facilitation of a terrorist act.

Mallik was living near APC Circle in Jigani, Bengaluru, while his permanent address is Naupar village in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.