The suspected fugitive terrorist, Abdul Matheen Ahmed Taahaa from Theerthahallli in Shivamogga District of Karnataka, is reportedly behind the pro-terror graffiti in Mangaluru, said highly-placed sources, newindianexpress.com reports on December 22. In May, 2020, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had announced a bounty of INR 3,00,000 cash reward on credible information leading to the arrest of Matheen, who is a wanted accused in Al-Hind Islamic State (IS) Bengaluru module case. The two arrestees in the case, Ahmed and Shariq are also from Theerthahalli and are known to each other. Sources said, "Shariq and Maaz were reportedly in touch with Matheen. The latter had allegedly asked them to write pro-terror graffiti on the walls in public places to create fear and panic among people." The pro-graffiti were in support of terrorist organisations Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Taliban. Matheen has reportedly fled the country and is in touch with some of his associates in India, said added.