Terror Plot Foiled: Two Arrested in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

Joint Police Operation Thwarts Bombing Plans

Hyderabad: Authorities in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have successfully disrupted a suspected terrorist plot, leading to the apprehension of two individuals believed to be planning bomb attacks.

In a coordinated effort, law enforcement from both states detained Siraj-ur Rehman, 29, from Vizianagaram, and 28-year-old Sayeed Sameer, who resides in Bohiguda, Secunderabad.

Reports indicate 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.

The suspects were presented before a magistrate in Vizianagaram, who ordered them to be held in judicial custody for 14 days.

Interestingly, Siraj's father serves as an Assistant Sub-Inspector, and his brother is a constable, with aspirations for Siraj to follow a similar path. However, he reportedly became drawn into extremist ideologies.

According to police investigations, the duo had acquired explosives via the internet and intended to conduct test explosions near Vizianagaram.

They were allegedly communicating with a handler in Saudi Arabia, suspected to be affiliated with ISIS, who was providing guidance for their activities. The plan was to test the explosives around May 21 or 22.

Following a tip-off, police from both states intervened to prevent the execution of their plan, which involved interactions with other youths.

During initial inquiries, it was revealed that Siraj had traveled to Hyderabad to prepare for a Group-2 examination and met Sameer several times during his stay. He later returned to Vizianagaram to take the exam, where he reportedly ordered explosive materials to his home.

Intelligence officials from Telangana alerted Andhra Pradesh Police after receiving crucial information. A raid on Siraj's residence on May 17 resulted in the recovery 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 also involved, working to trace the handler based in Saudi Arabia.