In collaboration with state police, the National Investigation Agency has picked up around 10 people from different parts of Karnataka and Telangana on suspected links with terror groups.
According to preliminary reports, around 10 people have been picked up from the two states for suspected terror links. However, official confirmation is awaited.
Karnataka arrests
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has told the media that six people were picked up in a joint operation of the NIA and the Karnataka police.
Of the six people picked up from Karnataka, four were picked up from Bengaluru, one person from Tumakuru and one from Hubballi. However it is unclear whether these six people hail from these places or have only been picked up from there.
Najmul Huda, who was arrested in Bajpe, around 20 km from Mangaluru city outside the Mangalore Police Commissioner's office.
Asked about why they were arrested, Parameshwara told reporters: “Some things cannot be revealed openly.” He added that more information was awaited on who these people are, and that it was the Garuda unit of the Karnataka police which had worked with the NIA to arrest the suspects.
To a question on BJP alleging that Karnataka was “safe” for terrorists, Parameshwara said that “Such issues should not be given a political colour. They have to be tackled without politicizing the issue.”
The identity of the person from Tumakuru is said to be Syed Mujahidden Pasha of Gumchi Colony. He was picked up in the early hours of Friday morning, around 4 am.
One person, Najmul Huda is said to be a native of Bajpe in Mangaluru. He is said to have studied chemical engineering in RV College in Bengaluru. He too was arrested from Bajpe in the early hours of Friday morning.
Najmul Huda, who arrested on suspicion of terror links, outside the Mangalore Police Commissioner's office.
According to sources, the NIA has taken two people have to Delhi for questioning.
Telangana arrests
Among the five people reportedly arrested from Hyderabad on Friday morning, one person’s identity is said to be Nafeez. According to sources, he was from Tolichowki area of the city and was carrying explosive substances which were seized by NIA.
One person is said to be Majeed Ubed of Langar House in Al Kareem Colony around 4 am on Friday.
According to unconfirmed reports, police are still on the lookout for four more suspects.
Other arrests
It is unclear whether these arrests are connected with other arrests made elsewhere in the country. NDTV reported that a total of 25 suspects have been picked up the NIA and other investigating agencies. Four suspects were arrested on Wednesday from Uttarkhad.
According Times Now, a man named Abdul Sheikh (40), was arrested in a joint operation by NIA and Maharashtra ATS from Mogra, Maharashtra. However, according to Deccan Chronicle the man was arrested from Mumbra in Thane district.
More information is awaited on all arrests.