12 arrested in nationwide anti-terror crackdown; Vijayawada trio linked to ISIS, AQIS network

Amaravati: In a major counter-terror operation, Andhra Pradesh Police arrested 12 suspects with alleged links to extremist organisations during coordinated raids across multiple states.

Special teams carried out simultaneous operations in Bihar, Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Telangana and Rajasthan, officials said on Wednesday.

‘Growing network of radicalised individuals’

According to intelligence sources, the crackdown exposed a growing network of radicalised individuals operating across states with connections to foreign handlers linked to global terror outfits.

Simultaneous raids across 7 states

Police formed multiple special teams that conducted simultaneous raids across seven states, leading to the arrest of 12 individuals suspected of being part of extremist networks.

Officials confirmed that three of the arrested individuals are from Andhra Pradesh, specifically Vijayawada, while the others were picked up from different parts of the country as part of the same operation.

Vijayawada trio identified

The three accused from Andhra Pradesh have been identified as Mohammad Rahmatullah Shareef, Mirza Sohail Beg and Mohammad Danish.

Police said the trio was actively involved in promoting extremist ideology and coordinating activities linked to banned terrorist organisations. They allegedly maintained contact with foreign handlers associated with Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) and the Islamic State (ISIS).

How radicalisation was occurring via online propaganda

Investigators revealed that the accused formed a group called “Al Malik Islamic Youth” aimed at radicalising young individuals and expanding their network.

The trio reportedly used social media platforms to circulate extremist content, recruit youth and coordinate activities. Rahmatullah, a bike taxi driver, was allegedly influenced by online hate speeches of international terror leaders and played a key role in spreading propaganda.

Links with foreign handlers

The investigation uncovered links between the Vijayawada suspects and operatives across several states.

Rahmatullah is said to have established contact with a foreign handler identified as Al-Hakeem Shukur.

He also coordinated with individuals from Bihar, Delhi, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Maharashtra who were allegedly part of ISIS-linked modules.

Officials said the group functioned through encrypted communication channels and social media platforms to expand its reach.

Accused was sharing content glorifying terrorism

Police stated that the accused shared content glorifying terrorism and projected themselves as ‘Mujahideen.’

They allegedly consumed and circulated videos of global terror figures, imitated their behaviour and promoted extremist narratives. Investigators also found instances where they disrespected national symbols, praised ISIS and spread hate content targeting non-believers.

The group was reportedly working towards the extremist concept of ‘Ghazwa-e-Hind’, aiming to destabilise India.

Plans for terror training abroad

Preliminary findings suggest that the accused were planning to travel to Pakistan within a month to undergo militant training.

They were also allegedly encouraging other youth to join terror training camps in Pakistan and Afghanistan, raising serious security concerns.

Police tracking digital footprints

Authorities said further investigation is underway to identify additional links, dismantle the wider network and prevent further radicalisation efforts.

Security agencies remain on high alert as they continue to track digital footprints and cross-border connections linked to the case.