West Bengal native detained in Kalaburagi over suspected LeT links; Priyank Kharge urges employers to conduct background checks

Home Minister Priyank Kharge speaking to media representatives in Kalaburagi on October 18, 2026. | Photo Credit: ARUN KULKARNI

A man from West Bengal has been detained in Kalaburagi over suspected links with a terrorist organisation, following a joint operation by central intelligence agencies and the local police.

The suspect, identified as Mumtaz-ul-Malik, is a native of West Bengal and was allegedly in contact with social media accounts linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). He is suspected of sharing sensitive information through messages, according to preliminary information.

Mr Malik had reportedly been working at a jewellery workshop in Saraf Bazaar in Kalaburagi along with his brother for the past one-and-a-half years. Investigators are examining his mobile phones and other digital devices for evidence of the alleged communications. Some data is suspected to have been deleted, and the contents of the devices are being scrutinised as part of the ongoing investigation.