Harihar police arrest 20-year-old Uttar Pradesh man over suspected cross-border contacts

The Karnataka Police arrested a 20-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh in Harihar, Davanagere district, on Monday for allegedly communicating with foreign-based individuals through social media. The arrest has prompted an investigation by local authorities to determine if the digital interactions are linked to suspected terror-related networks.

The suspect, identified as Suhail, is a resident of Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh. According to the police, Suhail had arrived in Harihar about two weeks ago with a group of migrant workers. He was employed as a painter at a private factory and was living in rented accommodation in the area.

Suhail's activities came under scrutiny during a routine patrol. Davanagere Superintendent of Police Shekhar H T stated that a sub-inspector on patrol noticed suspicious behaviour and questioned Suhail. When he failed to provide satisfactory answers, the police conducted a detailed background check and examined his mobile phone.

A preliminary examination of the device indicated communication with foreign-based individuals. Investigators are currently analyzing whether the accused was part of online groups and messaging networks associated with radicalisation. However, officials stressed that no organizational connection has been established at this stage.

Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge confirmed the arrest, stating that investigators are analyzing the nature of the communications to establish who Suhail was communicating with and the purpose behind those interactions.

Superintendent Shekhar H T emphasized that there is currently no evidence linking Suhail to any specific terrorist organization. He noted that the investigation is in its preliminary stages and requires a complete analysis of digital evidence by forensic experts.

As part of the inquiry, the police have also begun verifying the backgrounds of the group of approximately 10 workers who travelled with Suhail from Uttar Pradesh to check their identities and associations.

Additionally, investigators are examining if there is any overlap between this case and a separate arrest made earlier this month in Tumakuru, where two men were detained for allegedly communicating with a Pakistan-based handler. No link between the two cases has been established yet.