Bengal Man Held in Bengaluru Over Alleged Terror Links, Probe Underway Into Afghanistan Plan
Bengaluru: A 25-year-old man from West Bengal has been detained in Bengaluru after police allegedly uncovered online conversations suggesting links with a suspected member of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and plans to travel to Afghanistan.
The accused, identified as Asafool Mallik, was detained from the Jigani area of Bengaluru following inquiries into his alleged suspicious online activities. Police said Mallik is originally from Naopara village in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district and had been working as a security guard at Tata Advanced Limited in the Jigani Industrial Area since December 2025.
According to the police, the case came to light during routine patrolling in the Bommasandra Industrial Area, when officers received information about the alleged activities of a West Bengal native living in the area.
Alleged Contact With Suspected TTP Member
During questioning, police claim Mallik admitted to having communicated online with a person identified as Imran Haider, who is believed by investigators to be associated with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
Police allege that Mallik had connected with Haider through Facebook and discussed the possibility of travelling to Afghanistan. Investigators are examining whether the conversations were linked to any wider terror-related activities or plans.
According to the police, Mallik had allegedly sought Haider’s assistance in travelling to Afghanistan and had even applied for a visa. He reportedly later abandoned the plan, citing financial difficulties and family responsibilities.
Alleged Anger Against Pakistan Military
Police said Mallik expressed anger over what he believed were atrocities allegedly committed by the Pakistani military against Muslims in Pakistan, including alleged attacks on civilians and places of worship.
Investigators also said he had expressed strong views regarding Pakistan’s position on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Police are now trying to determine whether these grievances were simply personal views or whether they were being used to influence or radicalise him toward violent activities.
Mobile Phone Under Investigation
Following his detention, police examined Mallik’s mobile phone and allegedly found chats, voice calls and audio conversations involving the person identified as Imran Haider.
Investigators are studying the contents of these communications to understand the nature of their relationship and determine the extent of any alleged connection with terror networks.
Police are also examining other digital material recovered from the phone as part of the ongoing investigation.
Investigation Continues
Authorities are now working to establish whether Mallik had any direct involvement with a terrorist organisation or whether the alleged online interactions went beyond discussions and intentions.
The investigation will focus on the communications, the alleged Afghanistan travel plan and any possible links to individuals or groups involved in terror activities.
At this stage, the allegations are part of the police investigation, and the full extent of Mallik’s alleged links and intentions will be determined through further inquiry and legal proceedings.
News source: Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
