Latest news with #PoliceTrainingCollege
New Indian Express
26-05-2025
- New Indian Express
Terror duo part of sleeper cell operation ‘Magic Lantern'
VIZIANAGARAM: The Vizianagaram II Town police, along with NIA (National Investigation Agency) and other Central agencies, reportedly extracted key information on the international links of terror suspects Siraj and Sameer during their third day of interrogation at the Police Training College (PTC) on Sunday. The suspects were allegedly part of a sleeper cell operation code-named 'Magic Lantern'. As part of Magic Lantern, Siraj and Sameer are believed to have conducted reconnaissance in Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and both Telugu States, targeting potential sites for bomb blasts. Investigators reportedly obtained details about two suspects believed to be handlers: A5 Abuthalem, also known as Abu Musab, based in Saudi Arabia, and A6 Imran Akram of Oman, including contact numbers, social media handles, and other credentials. The authorities have sent this information to Indian embassies in Saudi Arabia and Oman to trace the activities of the suspected terror network. According to officials, the NIA believes multiple handlers in Saudi Arabia played a significant role in radicalising Siraj, Sameer, and others across India to pursue jihadi activities, including plots involving improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Hans India
26-05-2025
- Hans India
Terror linked accused questioned for third day
Vizianagaram: The investigation into the high-profile bomb conspiracy case intensified as questioning of key suspects Siraj and Sameer entered its third day, on Sunday. The interrogation is currently un-derway at the Police Training College, led by teams from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Counter Intelligence, and local police. The probe is going to dig out the terror links, financial transactions, and the broader explo-sives conspiracy. Officials are closely examining Siraj's social media posts, with a particular focus on a post flagged by a revenue officer from Visakhapatnam, whose identity is now un-der scrutiny. The suspects are currently in custodial interrogation, as multiple agencies investigate the ter-ror angle. The NIA has recorded lengthy statements from both Siraj and Sameer. Investigators plan to take them to Hyderabad for scene reconstruction, while probing meetings allegedly held in the city. Social media activities, especially a handle named 'Magic Lantern', have emerged as a key communication platform for the accused. Authorities have identified a group of 12 members spanning Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, allegedly linked to the plot. Investigators are also tracking funds reportedly originating from Saudi-based handlers, with ₹40 lakh traced to Sameer's account. Statements from the suspects' families have been rec-orded as the multi-agency probe digs deeper into cross-border terror finance networks. On the otherside, the investigation agencies are probing another angle of creating a team with some hardcore followers to be converted into human bombs. As per the information, Siraj has converted around 20 persons into human bombs to plan blasts in Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengalore, Delhi and even in Vizianagaram. The investigation is going to find out the persons to are converted into human bombs and on the way to find out them.
Hans India
24-05-2025
- Hans India
Terror suspects interrogated
Vizianagaram: The Vizianagaram police initiated interrogation of two terror suspects Siraj and Sameer in connection with their procurement of explosive material and their plan to execute blasts in Andhra Pradesh. The police got custody of the two accused for interrogation after a court in Vizianagaram was granted by the court on Thursday for one week. Siraj and Syed Sammer have been booked under UAPA (Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Explosives Act and various sections under BNS. Though the police requested a ten-day custody period for interrogation, after two days of legal arguments the court on Thursday night granted seven-day custody with strict conditions. On Friday morning, the Vizianagaram police reached central prison in Vizag city, where the accused were lodged on judicial remand on May 18. The police brought them to the Police Training College in Vizianagaram, where they were questioned. Vizianagaram police primary investigation revealed that Siraj was attracted towards extremism, and met like-minded youngsters like Sameer through social media platforms.
Arab News
10-02-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
On the frontline: Over 300 women officers join Balochistan police amid rising security threats
QUETTA: In the heart of Quetta's Fayaz Sumbal Shaheed Police Lines, 24-year-old Nimra Muhammad Suleman stands poised among over two dozen female police officials, all preparing for their morning parade. Having completed a rigorous seven-month training in January at the Police Training College on Quetta's outskirts, Suleman is driven by a singular purpose: serving and protecting the women and children of Balochistan's conservative tribal society. Pakistan's largest province in terms of landmass, the country's southwestern region of Balochistan has long grappled with security challenges, with separatist groups intensifying their insurgency in recent years, notably by employing female suicide bombers. Two years ago, a 30-year-old mother of two blew herself up at Karachi University, killing a group of Chinese academics to avenge Beijing's decision to jointly undertake infrastructure and energy projects with Pakistan. The collaboration did not sit well with separatist Baloch outfits, who accuse Pakistan of exploiting the province's natural resources without benefiting the local population— an allegation denied by successive governments, which say they are carrying out development projects to improve people's quality of life. Given the changing nature of the threat, law enforcement agencies have also inducted more female officials in recent years. 'We are not lady constables,' Suleman said while speaking to Arab News on Friday. 'We are police officers, and we can do everything by standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our male colleagues, including protecting women and children and countering terrorism.' The recent graduation of over 1,600 cadets from the Police Training College, including 386 women from 32 districts, marks a transformative moment for Balochistan's security. 'In other areas such as Punjab and Sindh, [women] police constables were in higher proportion. And now in Balochistan, a very large batch has passed out this time,' she continued. 'We will now be equal [in terms of our strength] to Punjab and Sindh.' According to the provincial police department, the newly graduated women police officers have completed various training sessions alongside their male colleagues, including intense shooting practice and lessons on sections of the Pakistan Penal Code. Now, female officers will also take part in snap checking of vehicles, conduct investigations and carry out raids against suspected criminals. 'When I was posted here in 2014, the total strength of women police personnel was 32, but as crime rates against women increased, the department raised the number to over 500,' said Station House Officer Zarghoona Kakar who trained Suleman and her batch. 'From now on, women will be seen everywhere in Balochistan because the time has changed when women police officers were limited to raids and office work,' she added. The integration of these female officers comes at a critical juncture. In 2024 alone, Balochistan reported nearly 40 attacks against its police force, resulting in 25 fatalities and 61 injuries. For many of these newly inducted officers, joining the police force required overcoming societal and familial hurdles. Javeriya Sarwar, another graduate, emphasized the importance of parental support. 'Many people in Balochistan have a negative mindset toward sending their daughters to the police department, but girls should join the police force since it provides us the opportunity to serve the masses,' she said. Initially, Sarwar's father was hesitant about her career choice, but she persuaded him to allow her to pursue her passion for policing. 'A man in uniform can sacrifice his life for the country,' she said. 'With Balochistan being plagued by terrorism, it was my passion to sacrifice everything for the police force and Pakistan.'
