Karnataka Terror Probe: Youth Arrested for Alleged Links with Pakistan-Based Operatives

Karnataka Terror Probe: Youth Arrested for Alleged Links with Pakistan-Based Operatives\n\nIn a significant development, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested a 24-year-old youth from Karnataka for alleged links with Pakistan-based terrorist operatives.\n\nAccording to sources, the arrested individual, Vishal Kumar Metre, is a resident of Yanakura village in Bhalki taluk of Bidar district in north Karnataka.\n\nMetre was detained by the NIA on October 1 in coordination with the local police, following preliminary investigations that revealed his alleged communication with Pakistan-based terrorist Shahazad Bhatti and two others identified as Rana Hunain and Nomi Khan.\n\nThe NIA has alleged that Metre was in contact with the trio through his mobile phone and WhatsApp, and that central investigating agencies had been monitoring his activities since December 2025.\n\nBidar Superintendent of Police Pradeep Gunti confirmed that the court proceedings are currently underway, and that more information will be shared once the proceedings are completed.\n\nThe accused has been booked under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and the Chincholi police have registered a case in connection with the alleged terror links.\n\nThe arrest comes amid heightened scrutiny by Central and state agencies into suspected links between individuals in Karnataka and Pakistan-based terror networks.\n\nPolice sources revealed that this is the third arrest in Karnataka in the past 15 days in cases involving alleged links with terror elements.\n\nInvestigating agencies are examining the nature of the contacts, the communications exchanged, and whether the accused had any role beyond maintaining contact with the suspected operatives.\n\nThe investigation is continuing, and further details are expected to emerge following the court proceedings and questioning of the accused.\n\nRecently, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and Kalaburagi Police arrested two Uttar Pradesh natives in Karbnataka’s Kalaburagi in August 2026 over alleged links to Pakistan-based entities and ISIS.\n\nMohammed Sameer (23) and Salman are the arrested persons.\n\nThe duo allegedly maintained regular contact via WhatsApp and Facebook with individuals linked to Pakistan and the Islamic State (ISIS).\n\nInvestigators recovered sensitive digital footprints, maps, and inflammatory videos from the suspects’ devices.\n\nAs the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Metre's alleged links with Pakistan-based operatives are a case of mere contact or something more sinister.\n\nOne thing is certain, however, the Indian authorities are taking a tough stance against terror networks and their sympathizers, and will continue to investigate and prosecute those involved in such activities.