Seven arrested in Karnataka over alleged terror links, including three Pakistan nationals

Karnataka police in Bidar district arrested seven people on terrorism-related charges, citing communications on WhatsApp and Instagram with members of outlawed groups and illegal weapons traffickers. The accused include 24-year-old Vishalkumar Vijaykumar Metre of Yenkoor village, three Pakistan-based individuals identified as Shahzad Bhatti, Rana Hunain and Nomi Khan, as well as suspects from Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

Police say Metre’s phone contained chats with Bhatti, a designated terrorist, and links to private WhatsApp channels that disseminated content deemed hostile to India’s unity. The investigation, launched after a tip at 3 am on October 1, is probing whether any arms were actually bought or moved. The case is filed under Sections 18, 20 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and related conspiracy provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Officials are intensifying social-media surveillance following similar extremist incidents.