Bengaluru, 26 September (H.S.): Police have arrested two men in Karnataka over an alleged plot to kill three BJP leaders and carry out attacks in Chikkaballapur district.The men were identified as Shabbir, a resident of Bapujinagar in Chikkaballapur, and Salman, a Bihar native arrested in Hassan. Investigators are examining conversations in Telegram groups that allegedly discussed attacks on political figures and other unlawful activities.

The three BJP leaders allegedly named as targets were Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, C.T. Ravi and Pratap Simha. Police are also looking into claims that group members discussed sabotage and kidnapping wealthy people to raise money for extremist activities.

Reports say the conversations included references to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. It remains unclear whether those references amounted to specific plans.

Chikkaballapur city police arrested Shabbir under Section 113 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with terrorist acts. Investigators are trying to determine who took part in the groups, whether the suspects had made preparations for an attack and whether others were involved.

The allegations prompted BJP leaders to demand a thorough investigation and protection for those reportedly named in the chats. Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka and C.T. Ravi were among those who criticised the state government and called for stronger security measures.

Both accused were produced before a court and remanded in police custody for further questioning. Investigators are examining their digital communications to establish how the Telegram groups operated and identify any other participants.

The case may be transferred to the National Investigation Agency, though no formal handover has been announced. The alleged discussions and the accusations against the two men remain under investigation; neither has been convicted. Police have not publicly detailed any weapons, financing or operational steps linked to the alleged plot.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman