A multi-state investigation spearheaded by Vijayawasa Police and Andhra Pradesh Counter-Intelligence has revealed a sophisticated radicalisation and terror network. This investigation resulted in the arrest of 12 suspected across six states, including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, West Bengal, Maharashtra and New Delhi. The network was allegedly led by Mohammed Rahmatullah Sharif and his accociates. Mohammed Rahmatullah is also suspected of maintaining ties with ISIS and AQIS operatives in Pakistan, Syria, Afghanistan and the UAE.
Discovery OF 'Khawateen' Women's Wing
In the recent investigation, a significant revelation was the existence of a dedicated female unit named 'Khawateen.' Syeda Begum, a suspect from Hyderabad, is accused of coordinating with handlers in Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir to recruit women. Police believe this wing was designed to manage radicalization, propaganda, and the expansion of the network through female cadres.
"A jihadi module with links to foreign handlers and extremist organisations like Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) has been unearthed, which was engaged in radicalising youth in India," an official of intelligence department said.
Digital Radicalisation And Global Links
Authorities found that the group utilised over 40 Instagram accounts and various encrypted chat platforms to disseminate extremist ideologies.
Propaganda: The suspects allegedly shared videos of figures like Osama bin Laden and Zakir Naik to incite youth toward militancy.
Symbolism: Members posted photos wearing masks and holding ISIS flags while chanting "One Ummah," signaling their goal to establish an Islamic State or "Khilafat" in India.
Handlers: Direct communication was established with foreign handlers identified by aliases such as Al-Hakim Shakoor, Abu Balushi, and others based in Pakistan, Bangladesh and the UAE.
ALSO READ: Trump Invokes Religious Rhetoric In Iran War: How US President Blurs Line Between Faith And Policy
Plans For Combat Training And Weaponry
The investigation indicates that the network's primary objective was to facilitate "Hijrat" (migration) for recruits to Pakistan or Afghanistan.
Training: Foreign handlers promised religious and jihadi indoctrination at overseas madrasas, followed by specialised combat training involving sniper rifles and IEDs.
Terror Manuals: Digital documents and videos detailing the manufacture of IEDs and "black powder" explosives were recovered from the suspects.
Logistics: Handlers reportedly assured the recruits that weapons for future operations within India would be supplied from Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Chronology Of Arrests
The operation began on March 24 with the initial apprehension of Mohammed Rahmatullah Sharif, Mohammed Danish, and Mirza Sohail Baig in Vijayawada. This led to a broader sweep across India, identifying additional suspects in Rajasthan and Bihar. Security agencies are currently tracing the financial channels and identifying other youths who may have been targeted for radicalisation by this cell.