Bengaluru authorities detained a security guard suspecting dangerous terror connections

Law enforcement officials in Bengaluru have taken a 25-year-old man from West Bengal into custody over a suspected terror conspiracy. Authorities detained Asafool Mallik in the Jigani area after noticing his suspicious online behavior and alleged ties to extremist networks. He reportedly colluded with an operative from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan to plan strikes against both Indian targets and the Pakistani military. This is a growing concern over radicalisation spreading through digital platforms across regional borders. Cross-border digital recruitment remains a persistent challenge for national security teams operating in major industrial hubs.

Radicalisation through Social Media Networks

Mallik hails from Naopara village located in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. He moved southward for employment and lived near the APC Circle in Jigani. Since December 2025, he worked as a security guard at Tata Advanced Limited within the Jigani Industrial Area. Investigators noted that his employment gave him access to corporate zones, raising immediate alarms about potential insider threats. Police forces spotted his questionable activities while running routine patrols in the neighboring Bommasandra Industrial Area. Interrogators quickly questioned the suspect to uncover his true motives and future plans.

Suspect Harbored Grievances against Neighbouring Military

During questioning, the young man reportedly confessed his deep anger regarding alleged human rights violations committed by the Pakistani armed forces against Muslims. He voiced outrage over attacks on civilians and places of worship in the neighboring country. He also expressed extreme frustration with geopolitical responses to the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. Extremist handlers allegedly encouraged him to launch retaliatory strikes if minority communities faced hardships within India. These handlers often exploit global conflicts to manipulate vulnerable individuals into committing acts of violence.

Thwarted Plans to Travel Overseas

Investigators claim the suspect connected with an Afghan individual named Imran Haider through Facebook. Officials believe Haider operates as an active associate of the dangerous Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. Mallik requested Haider's help to travel to Afghanistan and even applied for a visa to join the fight. He eventually canceled this operation due to a lack of funds and family responsibilities back home.

Digital Evidence Seized For Investigation

Detectives confiscated the suspect's mobile device for a thorough digital forensics review. They discovered extensive chat histories connecting him directly to his overseas handler. Officers also recovered multiple audio recordings and voice call logs detailing their conversations. Security agencies are currently analysing these digital footprints to determine the full scope of his network and verify whether he had local accomplices. They want to ensure no hidden sleeper cells remain active in the city's expanding industrial corridors.

Image Courtesy: News18