A 25-year-old man has been arrested in Karnataka on charges linked to an alleged terrorist act after police found that he was reportedly in contact with individuals associated with Pakistani gangsters through social media, officials said.
The accused, identified as Syed Abubakar, is a resident of Islampur and works as an air-conditioner mechanic. His arrest followed information received by police about his alleged communications and activities involving people based in Pakistan.
According to the police complaint, investigators received information on August 20 that Abubakar was allegedly maintaining suspicious contacts with individuals in Pakistan. A police constable attached to Doddaballapur Town police station subsequently went to the Islampur Circle area to verify the information.
When the officer located Abubakar and questioned him, police said his responses were not considered satisfactory. The accused allegedly attempted to leave the area, following which officers became suspicious and examined his mobile phone.
Instagram activity under police scanner
The investigation reportedly found that Abubakar was using an Instagram account under the name “sayedabudakar 313”. Police alleged that the account had interacted with and liked reels connected with Pakistan-based gangsters posted by another Instagram user identified as “Hammadmemon 333”.
Investigators also alleged that Abubakar had uploaded videos featuring gangsters as status updates on the social media platform. Police further claimed that he had shared an identity document with the account associated with the Pakistani contact.
The contents of his mobile phone reportedly became an important part of the preliminary investigation. Police said several photographs of pistols were also found on the device. Investigators are examining whether the material reflected only an interest in criminal content or whether it had a deeper connection with the alleged contacts and activities under investigation.
Police suspect possible radicalisation
Authorities have alleged that Abubakar was communicating with an international individual described by police as anti-social and radicalised. Investigators are now attempting to establish the identity and whereabouts of that person and determine the nature and extent of the relationship.
The investigation is also focused on understanding whether the online communication remained limited to social media interactions or involved any attempt to encourage, facilitate or coordinate activities considered harmful to national security.
Police have alleged that such online contacts could potentially be used to influence or radicalise young people. The complaint stated that there was a concern that Abubakar could, in the future, attempt to instigate youths against India or participate in activities viewed as detrimental to the country’s sovereignty.
However, these allegations remain part of the ongoing investigation. The arrest itself does not establish guilt, and investigators will have to substantiate the accusations through evidence and the legal process.
Case registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
Following the complaint, Doddaballapur Town Police registered a case under Section 113(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, relating to a terrorist act, and Section 197(2), concerning imputations or assertions prejudicial to national integration.
The charges reflect the seriousness with which authorities are treating the alleged online links. Police are examining digital evidence, including social media interactions and material recovered from the accused’s mobile phone, as part of the investigation.
The case also highlights the growing role of social media platforms in investigations involving suspected criminal networks and radicalisation. Platforms such as Instagram can enable individuals to communicate across national borders, interact with accounts linked to criminal figures and circulate material without any physical contact between those involved.
Investigation continues into Pakistani contact
One of the key objectives of the ongoing investigation is to identify and trace the person with whom Abubakar was allegedly communicating. Police are expected to examine the digital trail associated with the social media accounts, including communications, interactions and other available electronic evidence.
Investigators will also seek to determine whether there were additional individuals connected to the accused and whether the alleged Pakistani links were part of a wider network.
The authorities are likely to examine the context in which the accused interacted with gangster-related content, the purpose behind sharing or viewing such material, and whether any communication involved instructions, recruitment, financial transactions or other activities relevant to the case.
At this stage, police have not publicly established that Abubakar carried out any violent act or that he had successfully participated in a terror operation. The allegations centre on his suspected contacts, online activities and material found during the preliminary investigation.
Social media emerges as an investigative focus
The case has once again brought attention to the use of social media in the activities of organised criminal and radicalised networks. Law enforcement agencies increasingly monitor digital platforms when investigating suspected cross-border connections because online interactions can provide investigators with information about relationships, interests and communication patterns.
At the same time, investigators must establish the significance of digital material through a proper evidentiary process. Merely following, liking or viewing criminal content does not by itself establish participation in a criminal conspiracy. Authorities therefore face the task of determining whether the digital evidence demonstrates a substantive connection to unlawful activity.
The investigation into Abubakar’s alleged links is continuing, with police working to identify the international contact and establish the full extent of the accused’s activities.