Karnataka man, 24, arrested over Pakistan terror links, arms trafficking
A 24-year-old man in Karnataka has been arrested after police allegedly found communications with Pakistan-based terror suspects and people linked to an illegal arms-trafficking network on his phone, according to the FIR.
The accused, Vishal Kumar Metre, a resident of Yenakoor village in Bidar district, was arrested by Bidar police following an intelligence input about his alleged contact with members of banned terrorist organisations and people involved in the illegal trafficking and sale of firearms.
The case was registered at Khatak Chincholi Police Station on October 2 following a complaint by Hanmareddeppa, Circle Inspector of the Bhalki Rural Circle. Police have invoked Sections 18, 20 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, along with Sections 61(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.SECRET OPERATION SINCE DECEMBER 2025
According to the FIR, police received information around 3 am on October 2 that Vishal was allegedly communicating through WhatsApp and Instagram with members of banned terrorist organisations and people involved in illegal arms trafficking.
The FIR says police had been acting on intelligence inputs and conducting a secret operation since December 2025.
A team led by the Bhalki Rural Circle Inspector, along with other police personnel, reached Yenakoor village at around 3.30 am, where Vishal was found near a house.
He identified himself as Vishal Kumar Metre, son of Vijaykumar Metre, aged 24. According to the FIR, he told police that he had been pursuing a BBA course, which remained incomplete.
Police questioned him about the alleged activities. The FIR says Vishal denied having links with terrorist organisations or involvement in illegal arms trafficking. Police then asked him to hand over his mobile phone for examination.FIR NAMES PAKISTAN-BASED CONTACTS
According to the FIR, an initial examination of Vishal's mobile phone, WhatsApp and Instagram accounts allegedly revealed communications with Shahzad Bhatti, described in the FIR as a designated terrorist based in Pakistan, and his alleged associate Rana Hunain.
The FIR also names another Pakistan-based person, Nomi Khan, and records phone numbers allegedly associated with Rana Hunain and Nomi Khan.
Police allege that Vishal communicated with these people through WhatsApp about the illegal trafficking and sale of firearms.
The FIR further says Rana Hunain allegedly sent Vishal links to two WhatsApp channels, βRahe Haqβ and βRANA BHAI 333β.
According to police, Vishal joined the channels and viewed posts and videos that investigators allege contained content against India and material that could threaten the country's unity and sovereignty.ASHU SHARMA, RAJ BHAI ALSO NAMED
The FIR also names Ashu Sharma and Raj Bhai alias Lucky Singh, with police alleging that Vishal maintained contact with them through WhatsApp and Instagram.
Police allege that since December 2025, Vishal had been involved in activities connected to illegal arms trafficking and people and organisations allegedly engaged in activities threatening India's unity and integrity.
The investigation is also examining the alleged network involving Shahzad Bhatti, Rana Hunain, Nomi Khan, Ashu Sharma and Raj Bhai alias Lucky Singh.
According to the FIR, the network was allegedly involved in attempts to facilitate illegal arms transactions and establish contact with young people.POLICE PROBE ALLEGED PROPAGANDA CHANNELS
The police complaint specifically refers to the WhatsApp channels βRahe Haqβ and βRANA BHAI 333β.
According to the FIR, the channels allegedly carried posts and videos hostile towards India and allegedly sought to undermine the country's unity and sovereignty.
The material is also alleged to have portrayed Khalistan-linked elements and gangsters in a favourable manner.
Investigators are now examining the nature of the content accessed by Vishal, the extent of his communications with the people named in the FIR and whether any physical movement of weapons or financial transactions took place.ALLEGED PLAN TO TARGET FATHER
The case also includes allegations that Vishal was involved in a plan to procure a pistol and target his father.
According to the allegations, the issue was linked to a family property dispute.
It is alleged that Vishal was unhappy after his father, Vijaykumar, separated from his mother, Mahadevi, and allegedly did not provide them a share of family property and agricultural land.
These allegations are separate from the specific facts recorded in the FIR and form part of the wider investigation.FAMILY DISPUTES POLICE ALLEGATIONS
Vishal's family members have denied the allegations against him and claimed that the case stems from a property dispute.
Relatives have alleged that Vishal's father married again and claimed that false cases were being filed against him over the property dispute.
They have also alleged that police searched the family home for weapons and questioned Vishal and his mother.
The relatives further claimed that Vishal had been working in Bengaluru and was yet to complete his education.
The family has disputed the allegations of terror links and illegal arms trafficking.NIA INVOLVEMENT
Following his arrest, Vishal was reportedly handed over to National Investigation Agency officials for further proceedings.
Police have registered Crime No 83/2026 at Khatak Chincholi Police Station. The FIR says the investigation has been taken up and that the original complaint was forwarded to the court on October 2 at 5.15 am.
The investigation will focus on Vishal's alleged social-media contacts, the WhatsApp channels, the people named in the FIR, the alleged arms-trafficking conversations and whether a larger network was operating through these contacts.
All allegations against Vishal and the other people named in the FIR remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.- Ends
