Bengaluru: A 25-year-old AC technician from Doddaballapur was arrested after police allegedly found that he was in contact with individuals linked to Pakistani criminal gangs on Instagram and had been sharing and engaging with their content.According to a complaint filed by police constable Rupesh Yadav, an intelligence staffer at Doddaballapur Town police station, he received information about the alleged activities while gathering intelligence in Islampura on Aug 20.The accused, Syed Abubakar from Islampura appeared suspicious and attempted to leave without providing satisfactory answers when questioned.During a preliminary check of his mobile phone, police found that he was using an Instagram account under the name sayedabubakar313 and was interacting with an account identified as Hammadmemon333. According to the complaint, he had allegedly liked reels posted by Pakistani gangsters and uploaded videos of gangsters as Instagram statuses.Police also alleged that Abubakar had shared his identity card with the Hammadmemon333 account. Several photographs of pistols were reportedly found on his phone, prompting investigators to examine his alleged interest in firearms and online contacts.Police said his activities raised concerns that he could influence young people against the country and engage in activities detrimental to India’s sovereignty. A case under Sections 113(3) – (terrorist act) and 197(2) – (imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration) of the BNS has been registered.Abubakar has been remanded in judicial custody, while his mobile phone has been sent to the forensic science laboratory for data retrieval. If required, police may seek his custody again through a body warrant.An officer said Abubakar is suspected of being in contact with an Instagram account linked to the Pakistani Shahzad Bhatti network. He is also suspected of having travelled to Kerala and Delhi, the officer added.
