Karnataka Police probe suspected terrorist Mamtaz Mallik's LeT links from Pakistan
Synopsis
A West Bengal youth arrested in Kalaburagi, Karnataka, allegedly had WhatsApp contact with a suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba commander from Pakistan and followed pro-Pakistan Instagram pages including one named 'Major_Iqbal_ISI'. The case is an emerging example of investigators tracking cross-border digital radicalisation networks reaching deep into Indian states far from the border.
Key Takeaways
Mamtaz Mallik , a West Bengal youth, was arrested in Kalaburagi, Karnataka on Sunday, 18 October 2026 .
An FIR was registered under BNS Sections 113(3) and 197(1) at the Brahmapura police station .
Mallik reportedly claimed he was added to a WhatsApp group named 'Imam Mahdi' by Jainul Abdin , allegedly a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander from Pakistan .
He was allegedly following Instagram pages including 'Kashmir Tiger 313' and 'Major_Iqbal_ISI' .
Police have seized his mobile phone and are collecting digital evidence to establish the full extent of his network.
Karnataka Police have traced alleged links between arrested suspected terrorist Mamtaz Mallik and individuals of Pakistani origin as well as terrorist outfits reportedly operating from Pakistan, officials said on Monday, 19 October 2026. Mallik, a youth from West Bengal, was arrested by investigating agencies in Kalaburagi, North Karnataka, on Sunday.
Arrest and FIR Details
The Brahmapura police station registered a case following a complaint lodged by Chowk Police Inspector Susheel Kumar. An FIR was filed under Sections 113(3) and 197(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Section 113(3) pertains to conspiring, attempting, abetting, advising, inciting or knowingly facilitating a terrorist act or preparatory activities. Section 197(1) concerns imputations undermining faith and allegiance to the Constitution or India's sovereignty on grounds of religion, race, language, caste, region, or community.
WhatsApp Group and LeT Connection
During questioning, Mallik reportedly claimed that a person identified as Jainul Abdin, allegedly from Pakistan, had added him to a WhatsApp group named 'Imam Mahdi'. Investigators have gathered information suggesting that Abdin was serving as a commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the Pakistan-based terrorist organisation. Police are probing the lead to establish the nature and extent of the alleged connection.
Social Media Activity Under Scrutiny
Investigators found that Mallik had allegedly been following Instagram pages named 'Kashmir Tiger 313', 'I Love Pakistan, I Love Kashmir', and 'Major_Iqbal_ISI'. He was also reportedly liking videos and reels related to Pakistan on these accounts. Police have seized and examined photographs and videos stored on his mobile phone as part of the ongoing digital evidence collection.
Scope of the Investigation
Authorities are continuing to verify leads and determine whether Mallik had any direct operational involvement with terrorist organisations, beyond digital contact. This comes amid heightened vigilance by Indian security agencies over cross-border radicalisation through encrypted messaging platforms and social media — a pattern investigators say has been observed in multiple states. The Brahmapura police are expected to seek further remand to complete the digital forensics sweep and trace other members of the online network.
Point of View
If verified, would point to a deliberate recruitment infrastructure rather than isolated online sympathising. What is less clear from the investigation so far is whether Mallik played an operational role or was at an earlier stage of radicalisation — a distinction that will determine the severity of charges. Indian agencies have struggled in past cases to convert digital-contact FIRs into convictions without demonstrable operational acts, making the forensic sweep of his phone critical to the prosecution's case.
NationPress
19 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mamtaz Mallik and why was he arrested in Karnataka?
Mamtaz Mallik is a youth from West Bengal who was arrested by investigating agencies in Kalaburagi, North Karnataka, on Sunday, 18 October 2026. He is a suspected terrorist allegedly linked to Pakistan-based individuals and organisations, including Lashkar-e-Taiba, through WhatsApp groups and Instagram accounts.
What charges have been filed against Mamtaz Mallik?
An FIR has been registered against him under BNS Section 113(3), which covers conspiring or facilitating a terrorist act, and Section 197(1), which concerns imputations undermining allegiance to India's Constitution. The Brahmapura police station is handling the case.
What is the alleged connection to Lashkar-e-Taiba?
During questioning, Mallik reportedly said that a person named Jainul Abdin, allegedly from Pakistan, added him to a WhatsApp group called 'Imam Mahdi'. Investigators have gathered information suggesting Abdin was working as a commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba. Police are investigating to establish the nature and extent of this connection.
What social media evidence has been found against Mallik?
Police say Mallik was allegedly following Instagram pages named 'Kashmir Tiger 313', 'I Love Pakistan, I Love Kashmir', and 'Major_Iqbal_ISI', and had been liking related videos and reels. Photographs and videos on his mobile phone have been seized for forensic examination.
What happens next in the investigation?
Karnataka Police are continuing to verify leads and are collecting digital evidence to determine whether Mallik had direct operational involvement beyond digital contact. Authorities are expected to seek further remand to complete the mobile forensics and trace other members of the alleged online network.
