BANGALORE, July 8: Bangaloreans have been jolted by revelations that three highly-educated young men from a city that prides itself as India's knowledge capital may be linked to an international terror plot.

Newspapers and television channels are calling it the “Bangalore connection” to the chagrin of a genteel middle-class used to waking up daily to headlines about software, rather than disturbing stories about terrorism.

No charges have been laid so far against the three Bangaloreans held in connection with the foiled car-bombing plot in Britain, with police still probing their background and possible role.

But their alleged involvement is leading to jitters about a backlash against the millions of Indians who live and work overseas as engineers and doctors, finance professionals, taxi drivers and construction workers.

Also fretting are millions more youngsters aspiring for visas to study or work overseas, as a debate begins about the role education plays in shaping character.

“This is a matter of grave concern,” said N. Reguraj, head of the local unit of the Confederation of Indian Industry and a resident of Bangalore since 1975, when the city used to be known as a “pensioner's paradise.” “Not just Bangalore, the image of India is being hurt,” Reguraj said.

“We are perhaps seeing the ugly faces of a few,” he added. “We don't know to what extent the rot has spread, but it is clear all strata of society are vulnerable to indoctrination irrespective of their educational levels.” Mohammed Haneef, 27, held in Australia on suspicion he may be linked to the failed bombings in London and Glasgow, is a doctor as is his cousin Sabeel Ahmed, 25, detained in England. Both studied at B.R. Ambedkar Medical College in Bangalore, a city of nearly seven million people.—AFP