‘Jihad module linked to foreign masters’: Andhra Pradesh Police busts suspected ISIS-linked network with multi-state links | india news
ISIShas been exposed, investigators have claimed that the network was involved in radicalizing youth in India.The development comes after Andhra Pradesh Police sent teams to several states, including Bihar, Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Telangana and Rajasthan, to arrest nearly a dozen suspects, including three from Andhra Pradesh, in connection with the case.According to an intelligence source quoted by news agency PTI, the group had links with foreign-based operatives and was actively spreading jihadist propaganda online.“A jihadi module linked to foreign masters and extremist organizations such as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) has been uncovered, which was engaged in radicalization of youth in India,” an intelligence official said.
The main accused and associates allegedly used online propaganda to target youth
The investigators have identified the main accused Rahmatullah Sharif as a key figure in the network. Police said Sharif and his associates were in touch with operatives allegedly involved in circulating jihadi material and indoctrinating youth through online videos.The accused were allegedly sharing extremist content and keeping in touch with foreign handlers through social media.The group is accused of circulating videos featuring Osama bin Laden, Israr Ahmed Sheikh, Zakir Naik and Anwar al-Awlaki in an attempt to influence Muslim youth towards jihad and extremist ideology.Police also suspect that the network was trying to expand by attracting women through a separate ‘Khwateen’ wing.
Links detected with Pakistan, Afghanistan, Syria and Bangladesh
According to investigators, the group had established contacts with operators based in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Syria and Bangladesh through more than 40 social media accounts.The agencies believe that the network was working towards facilitating ‘Hijrat’ and ultimately establishing an Islamic state or ‘Khilafat’ in India.The operators, identified as al-Hakim Shukoor, Mohammed Huzaifa, Ninja, Hemroxy, Abu Muharib and Abu Balushi, allegedly guided the group on terrorist training and the use of weapons, including sniper rifles. He also reportedly assured the group that weapons could be supplied.Investigators also suspect that some radicalized individuals associated with the module were already undergoing jihadi training in madrassas abroad, while efforts were reportedly being made to recruit more people into the network.According to PTI report, one of the accused, Saeeda Begum, was allegedly in touch with operatives in Pakistan as well as Jammu and Kashmir and was planning to coordinate jihadi activities.
The investigation also includes cyber terrorism, IED material and anti-India material.
Investigators said the group was not limited to ideological propaganda and could also share material related to cyber terrorism and bomb making.The accused allegedly circulated material promoting cyber attacks, including plans to hack official websites. The agencies are also investigating possible foreign funding channels linked to the network.The police further claimed that the members uploaded material related to preparing black powder and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), while also claiming that the firearms would be obtained from Pakistan and Afghanistan.The group reportedly posted photos of members wearing masks, displaying ISIS flags and shouting slogans such as “One Ummah” to signal their commitment to the idea of an Islamic State in India.Investigators also alleged that the accused shared provocative videos, sang the Indian national anthem in an insulting manner using foul language and circulated material insulting and burning the national flag.