Patna: A 22-year-old man has been arrested in Munger district on suspicion of having links with a cross-border network, prompting a multi-agency investigation involving the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). Police claim to have recovered an illegal country-made pistol and a mobile phone from the accused during the operation.According to police, the raid was conducted around 1.20am on Sunday in Milki Khanpur village under Tarapur police station area after officers received specific intelligence inputs. The accused, identified as Mohammad Saddam, son of Mohammad Shamsher, allegedly tried to escape on seeing the police team but was arrested.During the search, police claimed to have recovered a country-made pistol concealed in a cactus bush. Investigators also said a Pakistani phone number was found saved in the accused’s mobile phone under the name “Rana Bhai”.Tarapur SDPO Kumar Devendra said preliminary findings indicate that the accused was allegedly associated with an international network and was suspected of conspiring with two other individuals to carry out terrorist activities in the country. He said investigators believe Saddam had been in contact with a cross-border handler identified as “Rana Bhai”.The SDPO said the accused had previously lived in Mumbai before returning to his native place in Munger.He said officials from other security agencies are also questioning the accused. His mobile phone has been sent for forensic examination, while investigators are analysing his call detail records and other digital evidence to trace his contacts and establish the extent of the alleged network.Police have also launched a search operation to trace and arrest the two other suspected associates.An FIR has been registered against the accused under Sections 113(3) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Sections 25(1-B)(a) and 26 of the Arms Act. Police said the investigation is being carried out in coordination with central security agencies to determine the scope of the alleged conspiracy and prevent any possible security threat.
