In a major security operation in Karnataka on Independence Day, Bengaluru Police arrested a 25-year-old security guard originating from West Bengal over suspected links to the banned militant group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Investigating officials allege that the suspect was conspiring with an Afghanistan-based operative to join the group and plan retaliatory strikes directed against both India and the Pakistani military.
Suspicious Movement Traced During Bommasandra Patrol
The arrest unfolded while Bengaluru Police personnel were conducting routine patrolling duties in the Bommasandra Industrial Area. Based on specific intelligence regarding the suspicious conduct of an individual from West Bengal, law enforcement officers intercepted and detained the suspect. The arrested individual was identified as 25-year-old Asful Malik, a native of Naupara village located in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. In Bengaluru, he had been residing near APC Circle in the Jigani area.
Employed as Security Guard at Tata Advanced Limited
During initial interrogation, police established that Asful Malik had been employed as a security guard at a facility operated by Tata Advanced Limited within the Jigani Industrial Area since December 2025. While maintaining regular employment at a major defense and industrial site, Malik was simultaneously engaged in online communications with foreign radical elements. Authorities are evaluating whether his position posed any security risks or provided access to restricted information.
Facebook Connectivity with TTP Operative Imran Haider
Digital investigation revealed that Malik had established direct contact on Facebook with an individual identified as Imran Haider, based in Afghanistan. Security agencies suspect Haider of being an active member associated with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. Malik reportedly sought guidance and logistical support from Haider to travel to Afghanistan and had even submitted an application for an entry visa. However, Malik subsequently abandoned his travel plans, citing severe financial hardship and the pressing need to care for his family.
Radicalization and Motives Behind the Conspiracy
Interrogation records indicate that Malik harbored deep resentment over alleged military operations targeting civilians and mosques in Pakistan. He was also reportedly aggrieved by Pakistan's diplomatic stance regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict. Investigators stated that Malik had been subjected to online radicalization by external influencers, who urged him to prepare for retaliatory action in the event that Muslims faced difficulties within India.
Incriminating Evidence Recovered from Mobile Phone
Following his arrest, law enforcement agencies seized Malik's mobile handset for technical analysis. Preliminary examination of the device yielded extensive text chats, numerous voice calls, and recorded audio conversations exchanged between Malik and Imran Haider. Bengaluru Police, in coordination with specialized investigative agencies, are examining the retrieved digital artifacts to determine the full scope of the network and identify any additional contacts within India.
