A four-month-old Telegram message app trail has put two youngsters in the police net in Chikkaballapura, with investigators probing allegations of terror-related discussions, recruitment and plans to raise funds for extremist activities. The accused are Shabbir, a resident of Bapujinagar in Chikkaballapura, and Salman, who is reportedly from North India.Acting on intelligence inputs, police first arrested Shabbir from his residence and subsequently took Salman into custody. Cops are examining the Telegram group, its administrator and alleged network of individuals linked to it.According to preliminary findings, Shabbir, a PU dropout, had joined Telegram around four months ago and was allegedly involved in discussions concerning terror activities. Police suspect the group discussed plans to target pro-Hindu leaders and kidnap wealthy individuals for ransom, with the money allegedly intended to finance terror activities. Chikkaballapura SP Padmini Sahoo confirmed the arrests.
