Karnataka youth linked to Pakistani terror network arrested:Allegedly discussed arms sales on social media; youths from UP,MP also in contact

A youth has been arrested in Bidar, Karnataka, on charges of terrorist activities. Police said the arrested youth, 24-year-old Vishal Kumar Metre, was in contact with terrorists Shahzad Bhatti, Rana Hanan and Nomi Khan, who are based in Pakistan. Vishal is a resident of Yenkoor village in Bidar’s Bhalki taluka. He was in contact with Bhatti through WhatsApp and Instagram and discussed the smuggling and sale of illegal weapons. Police said on Saturday that, apart from the terrorists based in Pakistan, Vishal was also linked to Ashu Sharma from Mainpuri in Uttar Pradesh and Raj Bhai from Khargone in Madhya Pradesh. Vishal has been involved in anti-national activities since December 2025. Phone investigation reveals network According to the police, these people are linked to a network involved in the smuggling and sale of illegal weapons. A case has been registered against Vishal at the Khatak Chincholi police station under sections of the UAPA and BNS. Police said that during questioning, Vishal initially denied having links with terrorist organisations and illegal arms networks. He also refused to hand over his mobile phone, but later surrendered it. According to the FIR, an initial examination of the mobile phone and scrutiny of Instagram and WhatsApp revealed Vishal’s contacts. Vishal and Nomi Khan had discussed the smuggling and sale of illegal weapons. Allegation of joining WhatsApp channels The FIR alleges that Rana Hanan sent Vishal links to WhatsApp channels named ‘Rahe Haq’ and ‘RANA BHAI 333’. He joined these channels. He viewed posts and videos on these channels that were described as being against India’s unity and sovereignty and as anti-national. Police also alleged that he was in contact with Ashu Sharma of Mainpuri and Raj Bhai alias Lucky Singh through WhatsApp and Instagram.