Did Police Foil a Terror Plot in Andhra and Telangana?

Synopsis
In a significant security breakthrough, police in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have successfully disrupted a potential terror attack by arresting two suspects. This incident underscores the vigilance of security forces in countering extremist threats in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Two suspects arrested in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for planning bomb blasts.
- Suspects allegedly acquired explosives online.
- Group named Al-Hind Ittehadul Muslimeen (AHIM) formed for terror activities.
- Suspected connections to ISIS handler in Saudi Arabia.
- Police action underscores the importance of vigilance against extremism.
Hyderabad, May 19 (NationPress) The police forces of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have successfully thwarted an alleged terror plot by apprehending two individuals believed to be planning bomb explosions.
In a collaborative effort, law enforcement from both states detained Siraj-ur Rehman (29) from Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh and Sayeed Sameer (28), a resident of Bohiguda in Secunderabad.
Authorities report that Siraj, an engineering graduate seeking employment, and Sameer, a lift operator, had allegedly formed a group named Al-Hind Ittehadul Muslimeen (AHIM) to execute their plans.
They were brought before a magistrate in Vizianagaram, who placed them in judicial custody for 14 days. Siraj’s father serves as an Assistant Sub-Inspector of police, while his brother is a constable. Despite his family's expectations, Siraj allegedly gravitated toward extremism.
The duo reportedly acquired explosives via the internet, intending to conduct trials of these explosives near Vizianagaram.
According to intelligence reports, they had been communicating with a handler believed to be affiliated with ISIS in Saudi Arabia through social media, who was providing instructions on carrying out their terror plot. They aimed to test explosives on the outskirts of Vizianagaram around May 21 or 22.
Upon receiving a tip-off, police from both Telugu states intervened to disrupt their plans. Investigators also discovered that Siraj had traveled to Hyderabad to prepare for the Group-2 examination, where he met Sameer. Upon returning to Vizianagaram, he allegedly ordered explosive materials to his residence.
Following intelligence alerts, a raid on Siraj's home on May 17 resulted in the confiscation of explosive substances, including ammonia, sulfur, and aluminum powder. Sameer was arrested in Hyderabad and subsequently transported to Vizianagaram under a transit warrant.
The National Intelligence Agency (NIA) is currently working to gather more information about the case and to trace the handler based in Saudi Arabia.