By The Hindu Bureau
Copyright thehindu
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday (September 16, 2025) carried out multi-state raids in connection Vizianagaram ISIS case linked with conspiracy to spread terror through use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The coordinated searches at 16 locations across India, which included sites in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, were part of an operation to dismantle a network involving radicalisation and recruitment of vulnerable youth through social media platforms.
Other states where raids were carried out include Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Delhi. The raids led to the seizure of multiple digital devices, documents, cash, and other incriminating materials.
The operation follows the recent arrest of Arif Husain alias Abu Talib, who was apprehended on August 27 while attempting to flee to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Investigations revealed he had been conspiring with co-accused individuals to arrange for a supply of weapons across the Nepal border.
The case was initiated by the Vizianagaram police following the arrest of another accused Siraj-ur-Rahman in July 2025. Siraj was found to be in possession of chemical substances used in the making of IEDs.
During the investigation, Suraj uncovered a wider plot to wage war against the Indian government, leading to the arrest of another suspect, Syed Sameer. The NIA said that both Siraj and Sameer are were actively indoctrinating youth using social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Telegram, and Signal among others.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, the Explosive Substances Act, 1908, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
