NIA arrests Karnataka man for alleged links to Pakistan-based terror operatives

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested 24-year-old Vishal Kumar Metre in the Bidar district of Karnataka for his alleged connections to Pakistan-based terrorist operatives. Metre, a resident of Yanakura village, was apprehended on October 1 in coordination with local police.

Investigators allege that Metre maintained contact with Shahzad Bhatti, Rana Hunain, and Nomi Khan through WhatsApp and mobile phone communications. Central agencies had reportedly been monitoring his activities since December 2025. The investigation was furthered after Metre was reported missing, allowing authorities to track his movements.

Metre has been booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Authorities are currently examining the nature of the communications and the specific materials exchanged to determine the extent of his involvement with the suspected operatives.