Man arrested in Bengaluru over Pak Taliban links, planned to attack Pakistan Army

A 23-year-old man from West Bengal, arrested in Bengaluru on suspicion of planning an attack on the Pakistan Army, has been linked to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The accused, identified as Asaful Mallick, was working as a security guard in the Jigani Industrial Area and was apprehended after police received intelligence about his alleged involvement in a terror plot. According to the FIR filed by authorities, Mallick had allegedly been preparing to undergo training to execute a terrorist act targeting the Pakistan Army, citing grievances over alleged atrocities committed by the military against mosques and Muslim communities in Pakistan. His arrest came after police traced him to an under-construction building in Jigani and detained him there before taking him into custody for questioning. Mallick, a native of North 24 Parganas district, had been employed at a company in the Jigani Industrial Area since December 2025. During interrogation, he reportedly admitted to being upset with the Pakistan Army over its actions against religious sites and civilians in Pakistan. He also expressed frustration with Pakistan's stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict, accusing the country of not adequately supporting Palestinian Muslims. Investigators discovered that Mallick had posted content online criticizing the Pakistan Army's conduct and had engaged in communication with Imran Ahindar, a person identified by police as a TTP operative based in Afghanistan. This connection was uncovered through messages and audio files found on Mallick’s mobile device, which allegedly detailed his intentions to retaliate against the Pakistan Army. Authorities confirmed that Mallick had attempted to arrange travel to Afghanistan, including securing a passport and applying for a visa, though he ultimately did not proceed with the journey. Police stated that the motive behind his alleged plot appeared to stem from perceived injustices faced by Muslims in Pakistan, particularly concerning the treatment of mosques and individuals by the Pakistani military. Additionally, Mallick was reportedly critical of Pakistan's support for Israel in the ongoing conflict with Palestine, which he claimed undermined the rights of Muslim populations in the region. The FIR was registered under Section 113(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), a legal framework introduced in 2023 that addresses acts of terrorism, including conspiracy, attempts, and facilitation of such activities. The case is currently under investigation at the Hebbagodi police station, where officials aim to determine the full extent of Mallick’s connections with the TTP and the specifics of his alleged plan. Authorities are examining all available evidence, including digital communications and physical documents, to build a comprehensive understanding of the case. Multiple reports indicate that Mallick had maintained an active presence on social media platforms, where he shared posts critical of the Pakistan Army’s actions. These posts were cited as part of the evidence linking him to extremist ideologies. Police emphasized that while Mallick had not physically traveled to Afghanistan, his efforts to coordinate with a known TTP member suggest a level of intent that warranted immediate intervention. The investigation is expected to continue as law enforcement works to uncover any additional links to the TTP and assess whether other individuals might have been involved in the alleged plot. As the probe unfolds, authorities are focusing on verifying the authenticity of the claims regarding Mallick’s communications with Imran Ahindar and assessing whether the TTP had any role in encouraging or facilitating the alleged attack. The case highlights concerns about cross-border radicalization and the potential for individuals within India to engage in plots targeting foreign entities. With the investigation still in progress, police have indicated that more details about Mallick’s motivations and the scope of his alleged involvement could emerge in the coming days.