New Delhi/Hyderabad: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has carried out coordinated raids across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi, and Maharashtra as part of its ongoing probe into the Vizianagaram terror conspiracy case. The operations, conducted with the assistance of local police in Andhra Pradesh, led to the seizure of digital devices, documents, cash, and other suspicious materials. The raids were linked to a group led by an individual named Siraj, allegedly planning anti-government activities.
Earlier, in July, the NIA had arrested Siraj-ur-Rehman in Vizianagaram and recovered materials for improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from his possession.
A major breakthrough came with the arrest of Arif Hussain, alias Abu Talib, a key suspect from Bihar, in Delhi on August 28. Investigations revealed that he was preparing to carry out jihadi activities within the country. He was apprehended while attempting to flee. Prior intelligence indicated that Arif had procured weapons and explosives for attacks across multiple locations. In May, authorities had arrested Sameer and Siraj while transporting chemicals intended for bomb blasts.
The accused in the Vizianagaram terror case include Syed Sameer, Siraj, Parhan Moinuddin, Badar, Adnan Qureshi, Dilshan, Mohishin Shaik, and Zaheer alias Aman. All belong to the same social community and reportedly discussed perceived injustices against their group on social media. Intelligence reports suggest that Abu Musab, based in Saudi Arabia, provided instructions on targets, methods, and bomb-making. Communications were conducted via the Signal app to avoid detection.
According to NIA findings, Siraj acquired explosives online under Musab’s guidance, while Sameer prepared bombs using tiffin boxes, wires, and other materials sourced via Amazon. Trial runs of the devices were reportedly conducted in the forested area of Rampachodavaram in Vizianagaram district. Authorities noted that the accused had expressed willingness to carry out jihadi attacks and potentially sacrifice their lives for their cause.