- Multi state operation targets extremist networks and suspects
- Vijayawada trio linked to AQIS ISIS and radical activity
Hyderabad, March 25: Andhra Pradesh police arrested 12 people with suspected terror links after a coordinated multi state operation. The arrests followed raids across several states. Officials confirmed the operation on Wednesday.
Police deployed special teams in Bihar, Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Telangana and Rajasthan. These teams tracked and arrested the suspects. An intelligence official said, “Multiple teams were constituted and deployed across Bihar, Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Telangana and Rajasthan, leading to the arrest of 12 suspects linked to extremist networks, including three from Andhra.”
Meanwhile, police identified three accused from Andhra Pradesh as Mohammad Rahmatullah Shareef, Mirza Sohail Beg and Mohammad Danish. All three are residents of Vijayawada. Investigators said the trio promoted extremist ideology and coordinated activities linked to banned terrorist organisations.
Further, the probe revealed links with foreign handlers connected to Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent and Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. The suspects allegedly worked towards anti national objectives. Officials also said the accused formed a group named “Al Malik Islamic Youth” to radicalise youth and expand their network.
According to investigators, the Counter Intelligence Cell found that the accused maintained contact with AQIS and ISIS operatives. They allegedly acted on instructions from foreign handlers. The group also aimed to push the concept of Ghazwa e Hind and build links across states.
Later, the investigation showed that Rahmatullah worked as a bike taxi driver and followed extremist content online. Danish is a laser marking professional, while Sohail Beg works at a restaurant. Officials said they used social media to spread propaganda and recruit youth.
Police also traced links to several individuals across states. These include contacts in Bihar, Delhi, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Maharashtra. The accused allegedly coordinated with these operatives and expanded their reach.
Investigators said the trio posted videos projecting themselves as Mujahideen. They watched videos of Osama bin Laden and copied his style. They also shared posts praising ISIS and spreading hatred.
Further findings revealed that the accused planned to travel to Pakistan for training within a month. They also encouraged youth to undergo militant training in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Police said the investigation is ongoing. Officials are working to identify more links and stop the network from expanding.
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