National Investigation Agency to take over Vizianagaram terror case probe
Vizianagaram:
(NIA) will take over the probe of the alleged terror plot involving Siraj-ur-Rehman (29), a native of Vizianagaram, and Syed Sameer (28), a native of Secunderabad.
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They were arrested by Vizianagaram police in May for allegedly conspiring to carry out bomb blasts in Vizianagaram and other places in Andhra Pradesh and other states using improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Siraj, who has an engineering degree, was arrested for possession of explosive materials, specifically ammonium nitrate, sulphur, and aluminium powder. He claimed he bought the explosive substances through an online platform, and named Sameer during his confession.
The two suspects have been booked under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Explosive Substances Act, and various sections of BNS.
After a local court granted their custody to police for seven days, they were interrogated by officials from the NIA, ATS (Anti-Terrorism Squad), Counter Intelligence wing, and other agencies besides the police.
The agencies gathered crucial information about financial support to Siraj and Sameer from foreign handlers in Saudi Arabia and Oman. The two youths reportedly confessed to having connections with some Jihadi groups. Siraj said he received bomb-making training in Saudi Arabia, while Sameer was trained in Pakistan. The anti-terror agencies also found that sleeper cell members from other parts of the country were in touch with them.
Vizianagaram police chief Vakul Jindal said the case is being taken over by the NIA for further investigation.
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