Hyderabad Terror Plot Foiled; Two ISIS-Linked Suspects Arrested
Authorities in Hyderabad have successfully foiled a major terror plot with the arrest of two individuals allegedly linked to the Islamic State (ISIS). The suspects, Siraj Ur Rehman (29) from Vizianagaram and Syed Sameer (28) from Hyderabad, were taken into custody in a coordinated operation between the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana police’s counter-intelligence units.
ISIS Module Busted in Hyderabad
According to police sources, actionable intelligence led to the interception of a terror module planning multiple bomb blasts across Hyderabad. Siraj was arrested from his residence in Vizianagaram, where officials found a cache of explosive materials, including ammonia, sulphur, and aluminium powder. These are known ingredients used in the manufacture of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Following his arrest, a second suspect, Syed Sameer, was detained in Hyderabad. Investigations revealed that the duo had floated a self-styled outfit called Al Hind Ittehadul Muslimeen (AHIM), which was intended to function as a local jihadist group under ISIS influence.
Foreign Hand Suspected via Instagram
Officials disclosed that the suspects had been in touch with an unidentified handler based in Saudi Arabia. The handler reportedly communicated through Instagram, using encrypted messaging to guide the suspects in operational planning. This foreign contact is suspected to have provided radical material and possibly logistical support for executing terror strikes in India.
Siraj, who holds an engineering degree, had moved to Hyderabad under the pretext of preparing for competitive exams. However, police now believe his move was intended to facilitate meetings and planning sessions with Sameer.
Explosives Seized and Legal Action Initiated
The explosive substances recovered from Siraj’s home further validated suspicions of an impending attack. The material was intended to be used in assembling powerful IEDs aimed at high-footfall civilian areas in Hyderabad.
Both men have now been booked under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), India’s newly codified criminal law. They were produced in a Vizianagaram court and remanded to 14 days of judicial custody pending further investigation.
Police officials emphasized that the timely arrests may have averted a potentially devastating series of attacks, and further arrests are not being ruled out as the probe widens.
