Bidar, October 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested a 24-year-old man from Karnataka’s Bidar district for allegedly maintaining links with a Pakistan-based terrorist and other suspected subversive elements, police said on Saturday.
The accused, identified as Vishal Kumar Metre, is a resident of Yanakura village in Bhalki taluk of Bidar district in north Karnataka. He was arrested by the NIA on October 1 in coordination with the local police and has been booked under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
According to police, Metre was allegedly in contact with Pakistan-based terrorist Shahazad Bhatti and two other individuals identified as Rana Hunain and Nomi Khan. Preliminary investigations indicate that he communicated with them through his mobile phone and WhatsApp.
Central investigating agencies had reportedly been monitoring his activities since December 2025. Police said Metre is a graduate and had allegedly maintained contact with the suspected operatives for some time.
Local police also joined the investigation after Metre reportedly went missing, with his movements subsequently tracked as part of the probe.
Bidar Superintendent of Police Pradeep Gunti said legal proceedings were underway in court and that further information would be shared once the process was completed.
“The court proceedings are currently underway. Once the proceedings are completed, more information will be shared regarding the arrest and the facts of the case,” Gunti said.
The Chincholi police have registered a case in connection with the alleged terror links and are assisting the central agency in the investigation.
Investigators are examining the nature of Metre’s alleged contacts with the suspected operatives, the communications exchanged and whether his involvement extended beyond maintaining contact with them. Further details are expected to emerge following court proceedings and the accused’s questioning.
The arrest comes amid increased scrutiny by central and state agencies into suspected links between individuals in Karnataka and Pakistan-based terror networks. According to police sources, it is the third arrest in Karnataka in the past 15 days in cases involving alleged links with terror elements.
In a related development, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), in coordination with Kalaburagi Police, arrested two Uttar Pradesh natives in Karnataka’s Kalaburagi in August 2026 over alleged links with Pakistan-based entities and the Islamic State (ISIS).
The accused were identified as Mohammed Sameer, 23, and Salman. They allegedly maintained regular contact through WhatsApp and Facebook with individuals linked to Pakistan and ISIS.
Investigators reportedly recovered digital evidence, including maps and inflammatory videos, from their devices. The investigation into the alleged activities of the two men is separate from the NIA probe involving Metre.
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