Karnataka: Two held over alleged terror conspiracy through Telegram group

BENGALURU, Sep 25 : Karnataka Police have arrested two persons from Chikkaballapur and Hassan for their alleged involvement in a conspiracy to disturb public peace and carry out terrorist activities through discussions on a Telegram group, officials said on Friday.

The accused have been identified as Shabbir, a resident of Bapujinagar in Chikkaballapur, and Sikandar Sheikh of Hassan.

According to the investigation, the two allegedly created a Telegram group that was used to discuss activities aimed at creating disturbances and plans allegedly linked to terror-related acts. Police are examining the group's members, communications and possible links with other individuals.

Chikkaballapur Superintendent of Police Padmini Sahoo said the accused had no known terror background so far, but their activities and online communications were being investigated in detail.

The case came to light after police detected provocative material being circulated in a closed social-media group. Investigators subsequently examined the digital footprints of the suspects, including their social-media and Telegram activities.

Police are examining mobile phones and other digital evidence seized from the accused to determine the extent of their involvement and whether the discussions amounted to an actual criminal conspiracy or remained limited to online exchanges.

Investigators are also trying to identify other members of the Telegram group and establish whether the suspects had links with any wider network.

Some local reports have alleged that discussions in the group included plans targeting prominent political figures and raising funds through criminal activities. However, police have not publicly established these allegations, and they remain part of the ongoing investigation.

A case has been registered under Section 113 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). One of the accused has been sent to judicial custody, while police are seeking further custody and questioning to establish the full nature of the alleged conspiracy.

The arrests come amid increased scrutiny of online platforms allegedly being used to circulate extremist or provocative material. Investigators are focusing on whether the digital communications were accompanied by any concrete preparations for violence.