News Brief
Arjun Brij
Sep 17, 2025, 12:01 PM | Updated 12:01 PM IST
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The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday (16 Tuesday) carried out extensive searches across eight states in connection with the Vizianagaram ISIS case, which centres on an alleged plot to carry out attacks using Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
The operation, targeting the spread of radicalisation and recruitment of vulnerable youth via social media, was one of the agency’s most coordinated efforts in recent months.
Searches were conducted at 16 locations in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra and Delhi.
Officials confirmed that several digital devices, incriminating documents, cash and other materials were seized. The raids were executed in close coordination with Andhra Pradesh police.
The crackdown comes less than a month after the arrest of Arif Husain alias Abu Talib, a key accused in the case, who was caught on 27 August while allegedly attempting to escape to Riyadh.
According to investigators, Husain, along with his associates, was working on arranging weapons through the Nepal border as part of a broader terror plan.
The probe began in July 2025 after Vizianagaram police arrested Siraj-ur-Rahman, who was found carrying chemicals suspected to be used in IED fabrication.
His interrogation uncovered a wider conspiracy to wage war against the Government of India, leading to the arrest of another accused, Syed Sameer.
Both men, according to NIA, were actively spreading extremist propaganda and attempting to radicalise young people through platforms including Instagram, Facebook, Telegram and Signal.
The case is being investigated under provisions of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, the Explosive Substances Act, 1908, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
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Arjun Brij is an Editorial Associate at Swarajya. He tweets at @arjun_brij