Vizianagaram: The interrogation of terror suspects Siraj and Sameer, arrested in connection with the Vizianagaram terror case, has entered its fifth day, with investigative agencies uncovering alarming new details. The duo is currently in a seven-day police custody as per court orders, and sources indicate that authorities are making significant headway in the probe.
According to officials, both accused have admitted to being part of a larger group consisting of nearly 20 individuals. Investigators suspect that this group—identified as the “Aheem” network—has ties to sleeper cells spread across various parts of India. Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA), are now coordinating efforts to track down the remaining members of this network.
The investigation has also revealed that the group strategically targeted unemployed and economically disadvantaged youth, offering financial incentives to radicalize and recruit them as sleeper cell operatives. Authorities have traced suspicious financial transactions originating from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations, particularly Oman, which were allegedly routed to bank accounts linked to the accused.
Officials are now probing the nature of these transactions, including the location of international bank accounts held by Siraj and Sameer and the potential sources of funds. Both are being questioned about their connections to international terror outfits, funding mechanisms, and key handlers operating from abroad.
Agencies are also investigating the sudden disappearance of individuals from Vizianagaram following Siraj’s arrest and attempting to trace those who attended covert meetings at Sameer’s residence in Hyderabad. NIA sources have confirmed that Siraj underwent extensive terror training in Saudi Arabia and frequently traveled to Gulf nations, including Oman.
Further intelligence suggests Siraj had established links with individuals such as Farhan from Warangal, Badr from Delhi, and Imran from Saudi Arabia, and had reportedly coordinated with a Pakistan-based extremist group through the Aheem network.
Law enforcement believes this underground network is widespread and sleeper cell operatives may be awaiting operational orders from foreign handlers based in Gulf countries. With only two days remaining in the current custodial period, officials are intensifying efforts to extract additional information.
The interrogation is being jointly conducted by the NIA, Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), and the Counter Intelligence wings of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Authorities have also identified the involvement of a retired revenue officer from Visakhapatnam in the broader conspiracy, with his detention likely in the coming days.
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