Vizianagaram ISIS terror plot: NIA names two more accused in supplementary chargesheet

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a supplementary chargesheet against two more accused, including an absconder, in the 2025 Vizianagaram ISIS-linked terror conspiracy case , officials said on Friday, as the probe continued to expose a wider extremist network with interstate and foreign connections.

The supplementary chargesheet, filed before a special NIA court in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, names Arif Hussain alias Abu Talib and Imran Akram . They have been booked under various provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) , the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Explosive Substances Act, and the Arms Act. The agency said Imran Akram, who remains absconding , was involved in providing terror funding to Siraz Ur Rahiman and Syed Sameer for the procurement of explosive materials intended for carrying out planned terrorist attacks.

Arif Hussain, a native of Bihar, was arrested on August 27, 2025, at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport while attempting to flee the country. Investigations revealed that he had conspired with Siraz to supply weapons, facilitated illegal cross-border transportation of arms , and used social media platforms to propagate extremist ‘jihadi’ ideology and recruit sympathisers.

The case dates back to May 2025, when Vizianagaram police arrested Siraz Ur Rahiman and Syed Sameer following intelligence inputs about their alleged involvement in an ISIS-inspired terror module. Searches led to the seizure of chemicals, explosive substances, electronic devices, and extremist propaganda, indicating preparations for manufacturing improvised explosive devices and executing coordinated attacks. Investigators also found evidence of radicalisation and recruitment through encrypted communication platforms.

Further investigation uncovered foreign funding links and encrypted communications with suspected ISIS handlers abroad , pointing to a larger conspiracy aimed at establishing operational cells, logistical bases, and financial channels for terror activities. Given the gravity of the case and its interstate ramifications, the probe was later transferred to the NIA.

In November 2025, the agency filed its first chargesheet against Siraz and Syed. With the filing of the supplementary chargesheet, the NIA said efforts are continuing to trace absconders, identify additional conspirators, and dismantle the remaining operational, logistical, and financial networks linked to the terror module.