Two held for having contact with Pakistani handler

The Tumakuru police arrested two persons on Thursday (June 4) for allegedly being in contact with a person in Pakistan through social media platforms and discussing communal ideas.

The suspects have been identified as Allabakash from Tumakuru and Zamir Khan from Davangere, both in their mid-20s. They were allegedly in contact with a person identified as “Rana”. “The chats between Allabakash and his handler revealed that they were planning to carry out terror acts in the country after recruiting more people,” a press statement issued by the Tumakuru police said.

A senior police officer told The Hindu that the suspects were in regular contact with the individual through social media channels. The communication was unearthed by intelligence agencies and they alerted the Tumakuru police.

“We have arrested them and seized their electronic devices. The investigation is at a preliminary stage, and we are yet to establish links,” the officer said.

The officer added that the police are further investigating whether the suspects were in contact with more people. Their devices have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for further examination.