12 Terror Suspects With ISIS and Al-Qaeda Links Arrested After Meeting on Gaming App

In a major counter-terrorism operation, security agencies have arrested 12 individuals across multiple states in India for their alleged links with banned terrorist organisations, including al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). The arrests were made following a coordinated operation led by police teams from Andhra Pradesh and Delhi, uncovering an alleged network involved in online radicalisation and extremist activities.

According to officials, the accused were in contact with foreign handlers associated with AQIS and ISIS, initially connecting through a gaming application before deepening their involvement. Investigators revealed that the group later joined extremist networks and maintained communication with operatives abroad. The operation spanned several states, highlighting the scale and reach of the suspected network.

The arrested individuals include Mohammad Rahmatullah Shareef, Mirza Sohail Beg, and Mohammad Danish from Andhra Pradesh; Shadman Dilkush and Ajmanullah Khan from Bihar; Lucky Ahmed from Delhi; Mir Asif Ali from West Bengal; Zeeshan from Rajasthan; Abdul Salam from Karnataka; Shah Rukh Khan and Shiyak Piyaz ur Rehman from Maharashtra; and Saida Begum from Telangana. Officials stated that the group had links with a suspected ISIS-associated module identified as “Benex Com.”

Also Read: Costa Rica Signs Third‑Country Deal to Receive 25 U.S. Deportees Weekly

Authorities further alleged that the accused engaged in anti-national activities on social media, including replacing the Indian national flag with ISIS symbols, burning the flag, and promoting extremist ideology. They were also accused of mocking the national anthem and advocating for the establishment of an Islamic State in India. These activities raised serious concerns among intelligence agencies, prompting swift action.

Investigations revealed that three of the accused from Vijayawada had formed a group named “Al Malik Islamic Youth” aimed at radicalising young individuals and preparing them for jihad. The group reportedly promoted the concept of Ghazwa-e-Hind and expanded its network by coordinating with members across different states. Officials also stated that some members consumed and circulated propaganda content, including videos of former al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.

Authorities said the accused were allegedly planning to travel to Pakistan within a month for training and were encouraging others to undergo similar training in Pakistan and Afghanistan. One of the key accused, Rahmatullah Shareef, is believed to have been in contact with a foreign handler identified as Al-Hakeem Shukur, coordinating activities and expanding the network. The investigation remains ongoing, with agencies continuing to probe the extent of the alleged terror links and potential threats.

Also Read: DGP Harish Kumar Gupta Pledges Strict Action Against Drug Smugglers in AP