1 day ago
Bidar Man Arrested Over Alleged Pakistan Terrorist Contacts
Police in Bidar say they arrested a 24-year-old man named Vishal Kumar Metre.
They allege he used WhatsApp and Instagram to contact people in Pakistan, including Shahzad Bhatti and Rana Hunain.
Police also say he discussed illegal firearms with Nomi Khan.
The FIR says Metre joined WhatsApp channels after receiving links from Hunain.
Police allege that some posts and videos in those channels were harmful to India's unity and sovereignty.
The case also names Ashu Sharma and Raj Bhai, who is also called Lucky Singh.
Metre initially denied links to terrorist groups or illegal arms networks, according to one report.
The allegations are being investigated, and the reports do not describe a court finding.
Police say 24-year-old Vishal Kumar Metre of Bhalki taluk was arrested or booked under terror-related charges.
An FIR alleges Metre contacted Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti and Rana Hunain through WhatsApp and Instagram.
Police also allege he communicated with Nomi Khan about illegal firearms smuggling and sale.
The FIR says Hunain sent links to WhatsApp channels whose posts police described as prejudicial to India's unity and sovereignty.
The case cites sections of the UAPA and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita; Metre initially denied links to terrorist groups or illegal arms networks.
- Who
- Vishal Kumar Metre, 24, is accused; the case also names Shahzad Bhatti, Rana Hunain, Nomi Khan, Ashu Sharma and Raj Bhai alias Lucky Singh.
- What
- Metre was arrested or booked over alleged contacts with Pakistan-based people and alleged links to illegal firearms activity.
- Where
- Bhalki taluk, Bidar district, Karnataka; the case was registered at Khatak Chincholi Police Station.
- When
- One report is dated October 3; the alleged activity is said to have been ongoing since December 2025.
- Why
- Police allege that Metre communicated with people linked to terrorism and illegal firearms activity and joined WhatsApp channels containing posts they considered prejudicial to India's unity and sovereignty.
Police allegations
Metre's initial response
Alleged contacts and activities
Police allegations
Police and the FIR allege Metre contacted people linked to terrorism and illegal firearms activity and joined WhatsApp channels with posts considered prejudicial to India's unity and sovereignty.
Metre's initial response
One report says Metre initially denied having links with terrorist organisations or illegal arms networks; it gives no further response from him.
Key facts
- Accused
- Vishal Kumar Metre, 24
- Reported village
- Given as Enakuru in one report and Yenkoor in another
- Named Pakistan-based contacts
- Shahzad Bhatti, Rana Hunain and Nomi Khan
- Other people named
- Ashu Sharma of Mainpuri, Uttar Pradesh, and Raj Bhai alias Lucky Singh of Khargone, Madhya Pradesh
- Platforms cited
- WhatsApp and Instagram
- WhatsApp channels named in the FIR
- “Rahe Haq” and “RANA BHAI 333”
- Laws cited
- Sections 18, 20 and 39 of the UAPA, and Sections 61(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
- Investigation
- Reports say investigation was underway and NIA officials took Metre for questioning
Quotes
First Information Report
The police complaint documenting the allegations against Metre.
“On conducting a preliminary examination of his mobile phone and checking his Instagram and WhatsApp applications, it was found that he had used these applications to establish contact with Pakistan-based designated terrorist Shahzad Bhatti and his associate Rana Hunain.”
theprint.in
Sources
Related news
Bihar Man Arrested Over Alleged Pakistan-Based Terror Links
India Designates Pakistan-Based Shahzad Bhatti Network Terrorist Organisation
Pakistan Link Probed After Threats To Mumbai Businessman
Police Seek Custody as Arms Theft Probe Finds Pakistan Link
Punjab Police Arrest Man, Seize AK-47 and Grenades
UP ATS Arrests Teen in Coimbatore AQIS Terror Probe
Form-7 Voter Deletion Row Leads to FIRs
Karnataka BJP Leader Booked Over Alleged Voter Deletion Attempt
Anna Seva App Brings Ration Card e-KYC Home
Karnataka, Delhi Voter Roll Revision Raises Bulk Deletion Concerns
