Karnataka: 19-year-old Mamatazwul Malik from West Bengal detained over suspected links with Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba

Mamatazwul Malik (Image via X)

A 19-year-old man identified as Mamatazwul Malik from West Bengal has been detained in Karnataka’s Kalaburagi for questioning over suspected links with people connected to the Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

Malik was taken into custody late Saturday, 17th October, in a joint operation involving central intelligence officials and local police. Investigators are examining his social media chats and other online communications to find out whether he shared any sensitive information with people linked to the group.

Police examining social media messages

According to preliminary information, Malik was working at a jewellery shop in the Saraf Bazaar area of Kalaburagi along with his brother. Investigators suspect that he was in contact with individuals associated with LeT through social media platforms.

Officials are checking the nature of these communications, the messages exchanged and the type of information that may have been shared. However, police have not made the contents of the messages public or confirmed the extent of his suspected links with the organisation.

The operation was carried out within the limits of the Brahmapur police station in Kalaburagi.

No formal complaint has been registered yet

Kalaburagi Police Commissioner S.D. Sharanappa confirmed that Malik had been detained for questioning. He told Hindustan Times that no formal complaint had been registered against the youth so far.

Sharanappa also declined to name the central agency that provided the intelligence inputs leading to the operation. He said the police would decide whether to register a First Information Report (FIR) after completing the preliminary inquiry.

Malik remains in custody for questioning as investigators work to establish the nature of his online contacts and whether he was involved in any activities linked to the terrorist organisation. Further legal action will depend on the findings of the inquiry.

The case comes amid investigations by Karnataka police and central agencies into suspected online links between individuals in India and terror networks operating from outside the country. Security agencies have been examining digital communications, contacts with foreign handlers and possible attempts to support illegal activities.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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