Chats with Pakistan terrorists, arms trade: Man held in Karnataka

Bengaluru: A 24-year-old BBA student from Karnataka's Bidar district has been arrested over alleged links with Pakistan-based terrorist groups and illegal arms trafficking networks, with the case subsequently handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Vishal Kumar Metre, a resident of Yenakooru village, was arrested following a secret operation in the early hours of October 2. Police later transferred him from Khadak Chincholi police station to the NIA, considering the seriousness of the allegations.

Preliminary investigation reportedly found chats on Vishal's mobile phone involving Pakistan-based terrorist Shehzad Bhatti and his associates Rana Hunain and Nomi Khan. Police said Vishal was a member of WhatsApp channels called 'Rahe Haq' and 'Rana Bhai 333', which Hunain allegedly shared with him.

The FIR states that Vishal had accessed posts and visual material allegedly linked to anti-national activities and aimed at undermining India's territorial integrity. Investigators have also identified alleged contact with Ashu Sharma and Lucky Singh, known as Raj Bhai. Police had reportedly kept Vishal under surveillance since December 2025.

Vishal's family, however, has rejected the allegations and claimed that the case was fabricated over a property dispute. Relatives said he had been working and studying in Bengaluru and alleged that police questioned family members during a search of their home.

Police are also investigating an alleged plot by Vishal to hire assailants to target his father, Vijayakumar, reportedly arising from a long-running family property dispute. Investigators have cited resentment over his father's remarriage and alleged denial of a share in family property and agricultural land.

The case has been registered under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Investigation by the NIA and other agencies is underway.