Daijiworld Media Network - Bidar
Bidar, Oct 3: A 24-year-old man from Bidar has been arrested over suspected links with Pakistan-based designated terrorist Shahzad Bhatti and others allegedly involved in an illegal arms-trafficking network, with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) taking up further proceedings with the assistance of Bidar police.
The accused, Vishal Kumar Metre, a resident of Yenakoor village in Bhalki taluk of Bidar district, was arrested following intelligence inputs regarding his alleged contact with members of banned terrorist organisations and people involved in the illegal trafficking and sale of firearms.
The case was registered at Khatak Chincholi police station on October 2 following a complaint by Hanmareddeppa, circle inspector of the Bhalki Rural circle. Police have invoked Sections 18, 20 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, along with Sections 61(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Intelligence inputs since December 2025
According to the FIR, police had been acting on intelligence inputs and conducting a secret operation since December 2025.
At around 3 am on October 2, police received information that Vishal was allegedly communicating through WhatsApp and Instagram with members of banned terrorist organisations and people involved in illegal arms trafficking.
A team led by the Bhalki Rural circle inspector, along with other police personnel, reached Yenakoor village at around 3.30 am, where Vishal was found near a house.
The FIR identifies him as Vishal Kumar Metre, son of Vijaykumar Metre, aged 24. During questioning, he reportedly told police that he had been pursuing a BBA course, which remained incomplete.
The FIR says Vishal denied having links with terrorist organisations or involvement in illegal arms trafficking. Police subsequently asked him to hand over his mobile phone for examination.
Pakistan-based contacts emerge
According to the FIR, an initial examination of Vishal's mobile phone, WhatsApp and Instagram accounts allegedly revealed communications with Shahzad Bhatti, described as a designated terrorist based in Pakistan, and his alleged associate Rana Hunain.
The FIR also names another Pakistan-based person, Nomi Khan, and records phone numbers allegedly associated with Rana Hunain and Nomi Khan.
Police allege that Vishal communicated with the individuals through WhatsApp regarding the illegal trafficking and sale of firearms.
The FIR further states that Rana Hunain allegedly sent Vishal links to two WhatsApp channels — ‘Rahe Haq’ and ‘RANA BHAI 333’. Vishal allegedly joined the channels and viewed posts and videos which investigators allege contained content hostile towards India and material that could threaten the country's unity and sovereignty.
The material is also alleged to have portrayed Khalistan-linked elements and gangsters in a favourable manner.
Ashu Sharma, Raj Bhai also named
The FIR names Ashu Sharma and Raj Bhai alias Lucky Singh, with police alleging that Vishal maintained contact with them through WhatsApp and Instagram.
Police allege that since December 2025, Vishal had been involved in activities connected to illegal arms trafficking and with people and organisations allegedly engaged in activities threatening India's unity and integrity.
Investigators are examining the alleged network involving Shahzad Bhatti, Rana Hunain, Nomi Khan, Ashu Sharma and Raj Bhai alias Lucky Singh, including allegations that the network sought to facilitate illegal arms transactions and establish contact with young people.
Alleged link to Lawrence Bishnoi gang
According to the NIA-related account, Shahzad Bhatti is alleged to have been associated with India's gangster Lawrence Bishnoi gang before breaking away and carrying out terror-related activities in support of Pakistan.
The NIA is investigating the suspected connection between Bhatti and Vishal as part of the wider probe.
Police have also indicated that Vishal may have a criminal background, though the nature and details of any such record are part of the ongoing investigation.
Alleged plan to target father
The case also contains allegations that Vishal was involved in a plan to procure a pistol and target his father, with the alleged motive linked to a family property dispute.
According to the allegations, Vishal was unhappy after his father, Vijaykumar, separated from his mother, Mahadevi, and allegedly did not provide them a share of the family property and agricultural land.
The allegations relating to the proposed attack on his father are part of the wider investigation and remain subject to verification.
Family denies allegations
Vishal's family members have denied the allegations against him and claimed that the case stems from a property dispute.
Relatives alleged that Vishal's father had married again and claimed that false cases were being filed against him over the property dispute.
They also alleged that police searched the family home for weapons and questioned Vishal and his mother.
The relatives further claimed that Vishal had been working in Bengaluru and was yet to complete his education. The family has denied the allegations of terror links and illegal arms trafficking.
NIA takes up further proceedings
Following his arrest, Vishal was handed over to NIA officials for further proceedings, with the central agency pursuing the suspected links with Shahzad Bhatti and others.
Bidar superintendent of police Pradeep Gunti said court proceedings were under way and that further details would be provided after they were completed.
“Court proceedings are currently under way. Further information will be provided after they are completed,” Gunti said.
Police have registered Crime No. 83/2026 at Khatak Chincholi police station. According to the FIR, the original complaint was forwarded to the court on October 2 at 5.15 am.
The investigation is examining Vishal's alleged social-media contacts, the two WhatsApp channels, the individuals named in the FIR, the alleged arms-trafficking conversations and whether any physical movement of weapons or financial transactions took place.
Investigators are also looking into whether the contacts formed part of a larger network involved in arms transactions and attempts to establish links with young people.
All allegations against Vishal and the other individuals named in the FIR remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.