Bengaluru: Security guard arrested over alleged plot to target Pakistan Army, TTP links

The Hebbagodi police in Bengaluru have arrested a 23-year-old security guard from West Bengal for allegedly planning to undergo terrorist training and target the Pakistan Army. The accused has been identified as Asaful Mallick, a native of North 24 Parganas district in West Bengal. He was working as a security guard at a company in the Jigani Industrial Area since December 2025 and was residing near APC Circle in Jigani.

According to the First Information Report (FIR), the police acted on a tip-off from an informant. The complaint was filed by Hebbagodi police Sub-Inspector Srikanth Naykar, who received information about Mallick's alleged plans. The FIR states that Mallick was planning to undergo training for a terrorist act to retaliate against the Pakistan Army over alleged atrocities against Muslims in Pakistan.

The police traced Mallick to an under-construction building near Jigani and detained him for questioning. During interrogation, he allegedly told the police that he was angry with the Pakistan Army over alleged atrocities against mosques and people in Pakistan. He also expressed anger over Pakistan's stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict, according to the FIR.

The police claim that Mallick had befriended an Afghan national, identified as Imran Haider, through social media. The FIR describes Haider as a suspected member of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Mallick allegedly sought Haider's assistance to join the TTP and travel to Afghanistan for training to retaliate against the Pakistan Army.

Further investigation revealed that Mallick had applied for a visa to travel to Afghanistan but later changed his mind due to financial difficulties and concerns about taking care of his family members, the FIR states. Police examination of Mallick's mobile phone allegedly found chats with Haider on social media, along with several voice calls and audio recordings. The police have alleged that Mallick discussed destroying the Pakistan Army through terrorist activities.

A case has been registered under Section 113(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The accused is in police custody as further investigation continues. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of other individuals being involved in the alleged conspiracy.