Karnataka man arrested over Instagram links to Pakistan-based gangsters, police say
Police in Doddaballapur, Karnataka, have arrested a 25-year-old air-conditioner mechanic for allegedly maintaining contact with Pakistan-based gangsters through social media. The accused, identified as Syed Abubakar, a resident of Islampur, was taken into custody on Thursday after a police constable received a tip-off about his activities, officials said on Friday.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), Abubakar operated an Instagram account named “sayedabudakar 313” and had allegedly liked reels featuring gangsters based in Pakistan, posted by an account identified as “Hammadmemon 333.” Police said the accused also shared his identity card with the account and uploaded videos of gangsters as Instagram status updates. During a subsequent examination of his mobile phone, officers allegedly found several photographs of pistols.
The case came to light on August 20 when a constable attached to Doddaballapur Town police station received information that Abubakar was involved in suspicious dealings with individuals from Pakistan. Acting on the tip, the constable located Abubakar in Islampur Circle and questioned him. Police said the accused failed to provide satisfactory answers and attempted to leave the spot, prompting the constable to examine his phone.
The FIR alleges that Abubakar could potentially attempt to instigate youths against India and engage in activities detrimental to the country's sovereignty. Based on these allegations, police have registered a case under Section 113(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which relates to terrorist acts, and Section 197(2), concerning imputations or assertions prejudicial to national integration.
Police have said further investigation is underway to identify and trace the alleged radicalised individual with whom Abubakar was communicating through Instagram. No arrests have been made in connection with the other account so far.
Under Indian law, the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This report is based on the police FIR and statements made by officials; the details have not been independently verified by this publication.
