Bengaluru, 25 September (H.S.): Police in Karnataka have arrested two people suspected of plotting acts that could disrupt public order in the state, officials said on Friday. The arrests followed a joint operation by the state police and the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), based on information provided by the Central Intelligence Bureau.

One suspect was arrested on Wednesday and the other on Thursday. Police have not disclosed their names. Officials said one lives in Chikkaballapur district, while the other has been residing in Karnataka for some time.

Chikkaballapur Superintendent of Police Padmini Sahu said a preliminary investigation indicated that both suspects were involved in a conspiracy to disturb public peace. Investigators are examining discussions in a social media group in which the two allegedly participated. Police said they found provocative messages in the group and registered a case on that basis.

The suspects have been taken into custody for further questioning. Investigators are seeking to establish who else participated in the group’s discussions, whether any specific act had been planned and how far the alleged conspiracy had progressed.

Police have not released details of a proposed target, location or date. They have also not said whether any materials connected to a possible attack were recovered. The nature of the suspects’ alleged links to any wider organisation remains under investigation.

Sahu said further questioning would be needed to determine the suspects’ backgrounds, motives and whether they were part of a larger network. Police said the investigation is continuing and that more details would be available as evidence is examined.

The allegations are based on the initial police investigation. No finding of guilt has been made against either suspect.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman