Hyderabad Terror Plot Foiled: Two Men Arrested With Explosives, Suspected Saudi Handler

Two guys were nabbed on Sunday for reportedly plotting bomb explosions in Hyderabad, preventing a possible terror strike. The individuals, who are thought to be affiliated with a radical network based in Saudi Arabia, were taken into custody by the Telangana and Andhra Pradesh police after conducting a joint operation in response to a specific intelligence input.

The two defendants are Syed Sameer, a 27-year-old lift technician from Bhoiguda, Hyderabad, and Siraj Ur Rehman, a 29-year-old graduate from Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh. The pair had not yet chosen a definitive target for the attack and were apparently in the midst of testing and assembling explosive devices, according to a Times of India story.

The operation was initiated by both states' counter-intelligence units following the receipt of reliable information. Vizianagaram is where Rehman was initially captured. He revealed information on his associate during questioning, which resulted in Sameer's arrest in Hyderabad. Investigators discovered that both men had kept chemicals in their residences, including ammonia, sulphur, and powdered aluminium, which are frequently used to create improvised explosive devices (IEDs). It has been revealed that these drugs were bought via internet e-commerce sites.

According to the investigation, Sameer assisted Rehman in carrying out the plan, but Rehman was principally in charge of obtaining the explosive materials. Before deciding on a site for a real attack, the suspects had planned to carry out a test explosion outside of Vizianagaram.

The operation was nearing its execution stage, officials said, but a precise target and timing had not yet been determined.

The two people were suspected by authorities of being self-radicalized and in communication with a Saudi Arabian handler. The pair participated in a number of closed internet groups that disseminated extremist content, according to sources that TOI reported. Additionally, they are thought to have communicated with their handler via social media. To obtain conversation logs and track their internet activities, investigators are now looking through their electronic devices.

Officials believe the suspects had ideological ties to ISIS, even though no official affiliation with any known terrorist organisation has been verified. Despite their alleged independence, the two were highly motivated to engage in subversive activities.

Both suspects are being held by the police and will soon appear in court. The public has been advised by authorities to exercise caution and to report any suspicious activity or behaviour right away.