Andhra terror crackdown: Hyderabad single mother Sayeeda Begum among 2 more held

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Police have intensified their crackdown on an alleged terror-linked radicalisation network.

Two more people, including a woman from Hyderabad, were arrested. With this, the total number of arrests in the case has risen to five.

Investigators say the group was using social media platforms to spread extremist ideology and build inter-state links.

Hyderabad woman arrested after surveillance

The latest arrest includes Sayeeda Begum (38), a resident of Chanchalguda in Hyderabad, who was picked up by a Vijayawada police team after being under intelligence surveillance.

Police said she was living with her parents and working as a domestic help while also earning through social media activities. She is reportedly a divorcee and the mother of a young child.

Another accused, Abdul Salam, was arrested in Ballari, Karnataka.

Both were brought to Vijayawada, produced before a court, and remanded to judicial custody before being shifted to Rajahmundry Central Jail.

Allegations against the Accused

Sayeeda Begum, listed as Accused No. 5, is alleged to have been influenced by leaders of banned terrorist organisations and to have circulated content related to “jihad activities” among group members.

Abdul Salam, identified as Accused No. 11, was reportedly under surveillance by intelligence agencies before his arrest.

Investigators suspect that the accused were part of a coordinated network operating through social media platforms.

Social media network under scanner

According to police, the accused had formed an online group to communicate and spread radical content via platforms such as Instagram and Telegram.

The network is believed to have attempted to influence and radicalise youth, encouraging them to engage in unlawful and extremist activities.

Authorities are also examining the financial transactions of the accused to trace funding sources and possible links to larger networks.

Family raises concerns over arrest procedure

Meanwhile, the family of Sayeeda Begum has raised concerns over the manner of her arrest, stating that police did not provide clear details about the case or her alleged role.

Amjed Ullah Khan, spokesperson of Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT), visited the family and assured legal support.

He said Begum is a widow and the sole breadwinner, supporting her family and caring for her four-year-old son. She reportedly works as a housemaid and also earns through promotional content on Instagram.

Her mother, who is battling cancer, expressed distress over the lack of communication from authorities.

Earlier arrest of three Vijayawada youth

The case first came to light with the arrest of three youth from Vijayawada: Mohammad Rahamatullah Sharif (23), Md. Danish (27), and Mirza Sohail Baig (23).

All three were working as app-based drivers. During interrogation, police uncovered a wider network and additional suspects across states.

Links to foreign handlers and terror groups

According to investigators, prime accused Rahamatullah Sharif (Accused number 1) had come in contact with a suspected foreign handler, identified as Al-Hakim Shukoor, through social media.

Sharif was allegedly encouraged to pursue extremist activities and collaborate with others, including Sayeeda Begum and associates from different states.

Police suspect the group had ideological links with banned outfits such as ISIS (Islamic State) and AQIS (Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent).

‘Al Malik Islamic Youth’ and Radicalisation efforts

The accused allegedly formed a group named “Al Malik Islamic Youth” to spread radical ideology, recruit and influence youth, and expand their network across states.

They reportedly used platforms like Instagram and Telegram to circulate content related to jihad and extremist propaganda.

Investigators said the group shared videos, followed radical preachers, and attempted to portray themselves as “Mujahideen” while imitating global terror figures.

Plans for training and nationwide expansion

Police revealed that the group was trying to establish contacts in multiple states and had ambitions to expand its network across India.

There are also allegations that members were exploring possibilities of undergoing explosives training abroad, including in Pakistan or Afghanistan.

Authorities are also probing references to concepts like “Ghazwa-e-Hind”, which the accused allegedly discussed during their activities.

Financial transactions and digital trail under probe

Investigators are examining the financial transactions, communication patterns, and digital footprints of the accused to identify funding sources and possible links to larger terror networks.

The FIR names 12 accused from states including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, Delhi, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and West Bengal.

Case registered under UAPA, BNS, and IT Act

A case has been registered at Vijayawada Two Town Police Station under multiple sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and the Information Technology Act. The three initially arrested accused have been remanded to judicial custody till April 6.

Probe intensifies

With five arrests so far, Andhra Pradesh Police and intelligence agencies are continuing a multi-state investigation to dismantle the network, trace its handlers, and prevent further radicalisation activities.