Kolkata, Aug 15 (IANS) The mother of Asaful Malik, arrested in Bengaluru for alleged links with Tehreek‑e‑Taliban Pakistan (TTP), on Saturday claimed her son was innocent, even as police said he was detained in the Bommasandra Industrial Area.
Asaful Malik, son of Abed Malik, is a resident of Noapara under Jadurhati village panchayat and Baduria Police Station in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. His mother, Hasina Bibi, resides at the family residence there.
She and her husband, Asaful’s father, were informed of their son’s arrest this afternoon by the Bengaluru Police. When approached by media persons, she expressed disbelief.
“My son was always engaged in studies. He graduated from Gobardanga Hindu College. After that, he started appearing for various competitive examinations to get a government job. He even tried for a police job,” said the mother, holding up her son’s pile of books.
She added that he was also preparing for the West Bengal Civil Service examination. “But he had to run the family, so he took up the job of a security guard in Bengaluru.”
She confirmed that her son left for Bengaluru with the job almost 18 months ago and since then had not returned to his ancestral residence at Noapara.
“His father had already left for Bengaluru. We are expected to get more details from him after he reaches there and contacts the police authorities,” Hasina Bibi said.
While interacting with the media, she repeatedly said she did not believe her son was involved in such activities. Asaful’s neighbours also expressed surprise over his arrest under such charges.
As per a release issued by the Bengaluru City Police earlier in the day, Asaful was detained from the Bommasandra Industrial Area, which falls under the jurisdiction of Hebbagodi Police Station, and subsequently interrogated.
The release stated that during questioning, Malik allegedly disclosed he had developed a desire for revenge against the Pakistan Army over what he described as atrocities against mosques and civilians in Pakistan. Police also said he referred to the Israel-Palestine conflict and alleged support by the Pakistan Army for Israel.
“During interrogation, it was revealed that the accused came into contact with Imran Ahinder, a member of TTP (Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan) based in Afghanistan,” the police said in the press release.
–IANS
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