Instagram contact with Pakistani gang lands man in police custody in Karnataka

Doddaballapur (Karnataka), Aug 22 (AHN) A police team of Doddaballapur in the rural Bengaluru area has arrested a 28-year-old man for allegedly being in contact with a Pakistani criminal gang through Instagram. The arrested individual has been identified as Syed Abubakar, a resident of Islampur in Doddaballapur, Karnataka.

According to police, the arrest was made based on information provided by the Counterintelligence Cell and Intelligence Bureau (IB) officials. Investigators told media persons that Abubakar had been in contact with a Pakistani gang associated with the Shajad Butti Network through the Instagram account Hammadmemon333 for nearly two years.

Police further alleged that the accused had shared his Aadhaar card details with the account and had used the platform to remain in contact with members of the gang. The gang is suspected of threatening prominent individuals and businessmen and allegedly extorting money, police personnel added.

Abubakar was working as an AC repair technician and was also reportedly teaching at a mosque in Bengaluru. Police further stated that, as part of the investigation, information had emerged that he had travelled to Kerala and Delhi and allegedly received training.

The accused was arrested from his residence in Islampur, Doddaballapur, and has been taken into custody for further questioning and investigation.

A case has been registered against him under BNS Sections 113(3) and 197(2), according to the police. The case has been registered against the 28-year-old man Abubakar on suspicion of having links with Pakistan-based gangsters.

The complaint says that the mobile phone of Islampur resident Syed Abubakar was checked, and after checking the device, it was found that he had liked reels related to Pakistan-based gangsters. It also said that he had uploaded their videos as status updates and had photographs of pistols on his phone. Police said that further investigation is underway and that more details are expected to come out in due course of time.