Karnataka man arrested for Instagram contact with Pakistani gang
Synopsis
A Bengaluru-area man was arrested after police found he had allegedly been in Instagram contact with Pakistan's Shajad Butti Network for nearly two years — sharing his Aadhaar details, liking gangster reels, and reportedly travelling to Kerala and Delhi for alleged training. The case highlights how overseas criminal networks are exploiting mainstream social media to build ground-level contacts inside India.
Key Takeaways
Syed Abubakar , 28 , of Islampur, Doddaballapur , Karnataka, was arrested on 22 August for alleged links to a Pakistan-based gang.
He allegedly maintained two years of Instagram contact with the Shajad Butti Network via account Hammadmemon333 .
Police allege he shared his Aadhaar card details with the gang and stored pistol photographs on his phone.
The accused was an AC repair technician who also reportedly taught at a mosque in Bengaluru.
He allegedly travelled to Kerala and Delhi and received training, according to investigators.
A case has been registered under BNS Sections 113(3) and 197(2) ; investigation is ongoing.
A 28-year-old man from Doddaballapur in rural Bengaluru has been arrested for allegedly maintaining contact with a Pakistan-based criminal gang through Instagram, police confirmed on 22 August. The accused, identified as Syed Abubakar, a resident of Islampur in Doddaballapur, Karnataka, was taken into custody following a tip-off from the Counterintelligence Cell and Intelligence Bureau (IB) officials.
How the Arrest Unfolded
According to police, Abubakar had allegedly been in contact for nearly two years with a Pakistani gang linked to the Shajad Butti Network through an Instagram account identified as Hammadmemon333. Investigators alleged that he shared his Aadhaar card details with the account and used the platform to stay connected with gang members.
The accused was apprehended from his residence in Islampur, Doddaballapur and has been taken into custody for further questioning. A case has been registered against him under BNS Sections 113(3) and 197(2).
What Police Found on His Device
During the investigation, police examined Abubakar's mobile phone and reportedly found that he had liked reels connected to Pakistan-based gangsters, uploaded their videos as status updates, and had photographs of pistols stored on the device. These findings, according to police, strengthened the suspicion of his alleged links with the overseas gang.
The gang is suspected of threatening prominent individuals and businessmen and allegedly extorting money, police said.
Background of the Accused
Abubakar was working as an AC repair technician and was also reportedly teaching at a mosque in Bengaluru. Police further stated that investigation had revealed he had travelled to Kerala and Delhi, where he allegedly received training, though details of the nature of this training were not disclosed.
Investigation Ongoing
Police said further investigation is underway and that more details are expected to emerge in due course. The arrest underscores growing concerns about the use of social media platforms such as Instagram by overseas criminal networks to establish contacts within India. This comes amid a broader national security focus on cross-border gang networks operating through encrypted and social media channels.
Point of View
It points to a data-vulnerability dimension that goes beyond extortion. The travel to Kerala and Delhi for alleged 'training' deserves scrutiny; investigators will need to establish whether this was an isolated contact or part of a wider network inside Karnataka. The use of BNS sections rather than UAPA also signals that, at this stage, the evidence threshold for a terrorism charge has not been met — a distinction that matters for how this case proceeds.
NationPress
22 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Syed Abubakar and why was he arrested?
Syed Abubakar is a 28-year-old AC repair technician and resident of Islampur, Doddaballapur, Karnataka. He was arrested on 22 August for allegedly maintaining nearly two years of Instagram contact with the Pakistan-based Shajad Butti Network, sharing his Aadhaar details with the gang, and storing gangster-related content and pistol photographs on his phone.
What is the Shajad Butti Network?
The Shajad Butti Network is a Pakistan-based criminal gang that police allege is involved in threatening prominent individuals and businessmen and extorting money. Abubakar is accused of being in contact with the network through the Instagram account Hammadmemon333.
What charges have been filed against Abubakar?
A case has been registered against Abubakar under BNS Sections 113(3) and 197(2), according to police. The charges relate to his suspected links with Pakistan-based gangsters.
What did police find on his phone?
Police said Abubakar's mobile phone contained liked reels related to Pakistan-based gangsters, videos uploaded as status updates, and photographs of pistols. These findings, according to investigators, supported the suspicion of his alleged gang links.
Did Abubakar travel outside Karnataka?
According to police, investigation revealed that Abubakar had travelled to Kerala and Delhi, where he allegedly received training. The nature and details of this training have not yet been disclosed by investigators, and the inquiry is ongoing.
