Bengaluru police arrest security guard for TTP plot against Pakistan Army

Bengaluru Police have arrested Asaful Mallik, a 25-year-old security guard from West Bengal, for allegedly conspiring with a member of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to attack the Pakistan Army. Mallik was taken into custody from Bommasandra Industrial Area on August 11 and has been remanded in judicial custody for 10 days.

According to police, Mallik connected on Facebook with Imran Ahinder, a TTP member based in Afghanistan, and sought help to travel there for the attack. The Federal reports that Mallik was influenced by what he saw as Pakistan Army atrocities and its alleged support for Israel. Investigators found messages and audio recordings on his phone detailing the plan. Times of India adds that Mallik obtained a passport from Hyderabad despite never living there, and that case details will be shared with the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

A case has been registered under Section 113(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for conspiracy and facilitation of a terrorist act. Police said Mallik, a BA student, lived in Jigani and worked as a security guard. His parents and three siblings are in West Bengal. Further investigation is under way.