Major Terror Conspiracy Foiled in Andhra Pradesh, ISIS-Linked Network Exposed

Andhra Pradesh police have uncovered a terrorist cell in the state that was spreading jihadist ideology and fomenting religious hatred . Intelligence sources revealed that the network maintained links with foreign handlers and used social media to radicalise youth. The group is also suspected to have connections with international terrorist organisations such as ISIS .

To apprehend 12 suspected members , Andhra Pradesh police deployed special teams across seven states Bihar, Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Telangana, and Rajasthan . Notably, three of the accused are residents of Andhra Pradesh.

The main accused , Rahmatulla Sharif , along with his associates, conducted online jihadist propaganda . They established a separate module named “Khawateen” aimed specifically at women, seeking to expand the network. The group circulated videos of speeches by Osama bin Laden and Zakir Naik to influence Muslim youth towards extremism. Officials stated that members maintained contacts with handlers in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Syria, and Bangladesh through more than 40 social media accounts .

The foreign handlers, known by aliases such as Al-Hakeem Shukoor, Muhammad Huzayfa, and Ninja , reportedly provided guidance on firearms and other lethal weapons and promised supply of arms. The network was allegedly directed towards establishing a “Khilafat” (Islamic State) in India .

Authorities disclosed that some members had already received extremist training abroad under the guise of madrasas , while efforts to recruit others into the network were ongoing. One of the accused, Sayyda Begum , allegedly attempted to coordinate activities with terrorists in Pakistan and Jammu & Kashmir . The group also focused on cyberterrorism , reportedly discussing hacking government websites. Investigative agencies are examining the sources of foreign funding for the network.

The group’s members were identified posting online masked photos with ISIS flags , disrespecting the Indian national anthem using abusive language, and defacing the national flag . They are accused of promoting anti-national sentiments . Additionally, authorities uncovered activities related to explosive and IED manufacturing , sharing information on weapons, and claims of sourcing arms from abroad.

Police and central investigative agencies continue to conduct an in-depth probe into the entire operation.