Arrested ‘terror sympathisers’ remanded in custody in Vijayawada

Vijayawada: In a major counter-intelligence operation, three suspected ‘terror sympathisers' were arrested in Vijayawada for their alleged involvement in extremist activities and anti-national propaganda through social media.The arrested individuals — identified as Mohammad Rehmatulla Sharif from Wynchipeta, Mohammed Danish from Bhavanipuram, and Mirza Sohail Beg from Mahanthipuram — were leading modest lives, as Ola bike rider, biryani shop cashier, and daily wage worker, respectively.According to police officials, the accused were influenced by radical ideologies and actively sharing and promoting content linked to banned terrorist organisations such as ISIS and AQIS. They were reportedly part of online networks that aimed to attract and radicalise youth for potential `jihadi activities'.Counter-intelligence sources said the trio allegedly formed connections with like-minded individuals across several states, including Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, Bihar, West Bengal, and Rajasthan. A larger network operating under the name ‘BENX' is suspected to be attempting to expand extremist activities across the country.Police said they seized multiple electronic devices and mobile phones from the accused. The police said their preliminary analysis indicated that they searched for bomb-making methods online, though officials confirmed that no successful attempts were made. Authorities also alleged that at least 10 more individuals from different parts of the country were in contact with the accused through social media platforms, and efforts are underway to trace them.The accused were produced before the chief metropolitan magistrate court, which remanded them in judicial custody till April 6.