Chikkaballapur (Karnataka), Sep 29 (IANS): A local court in Chikkaballapur on Tuesday remanded two suspected terrorists, who were allegedly involved in discussions to carry out subversive and terror-related activities, to four days of police custody for further investigation.
The accused, identified as Shabbir, a resident of Bapujinagar in Chikkaballapur, and Salman, reportedly from North India, were produced before the Chikkaballapur Principal Civil and JMFC Court. The police had sought five days of custody, but the court granted four days for further investigation.
The Chikkaballapur City Police arrested the duo in connection with an alleged terror conspiracy involving discussions on a Telegram group. Police have registered a case under Section 113 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and are investigating the group’s conversations, its members and their possible links.
According to preliminary information, the accused allegedly created or participated in a Telegram group where discussions were held about carrying out terror-related and disruptive activities. Investigators are probing whether the discussions progressed beyond the messaging platform and resulted in any concrete preparations.
Police are also investigating allegations that members of the group discussed kidnapping wealthy individuals to raise funds for terror-related activities.
Shabbir is reportedly believed to have joined the group around four months ago. Investigators are also examining an allegation that the group administrator had promised weapons training to members after a specified period.
As part of the investigation, police are examining Shabbir’s mobile phone and other digital evidence. They are also attempting to identify and trace other members of the Telegram group and establish their locations and possible links.
Reacting to the arrests, senior BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka had demanded immediate security for BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, former BJP MP Pratap Simha and BJP MLC C.T. Ravi, claiming that they were among the alleged targets of the conspiracy.
Ashoka had claimed that four persons had allegedly drawn up a plan to kill Yatnal, Pratap Simha and C.T. Ravi and that one of those allegedly involved had been arrested.
“In Chikkaballapur, a team of four terrorists had sketched a plan to kill MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, former BJP MP Pratap Simha and BJP MLC C.T. Ravi. The government should immediately provide security to these leaders,” Ashoka had said in Bengaluru.
Ashoka also alleged that the number of such people had increased after the Congress government came to power. However, police have not independently confirmed his claims regarding the alleged targets or the number of people involved.
The investigation is continuing, and police have not publicly confirmed that any attack was carried out or that the alleged plans progressed beyond discussions on Telegram.
Investigators are expected to establish the identities of other people allegedly involved, the motive behind the discussions and whether any concrete preparations were made.
