Daijiworld Media Network - Vijayawada

Vijayawada, Mar 24: The Andhra Pradesh Police on Tuesday arrested three youths for their alleged links to extremist organisations and involvement in online radicalisation activities.

The arrests were carried out by the Counter-Intelligence Cell, which detained Mohammad Rahamatullah Sharif (23), Md. Danish (27), and Mirza Sohail Baig (23) from the Wynchipeta locality.

According to police sources, the trio is suspected to have links with terror outfits such as ISIS and AQIS. They allegedly created a group named “Al Malik Islamic Youth” to influence and radicalise young individuals through social media platforms.

Authorities claim the accused circulated extremist content, including material advocating the replacement of India’s national flag with that of ISIS. Electronic devices and other incriminating materials were seized during searches conducted at their residences.

The accused were produced before a magistrate court and remanded to judicial custody until April 6. They have been lodged in Vijayawada Central Prison.

A case has been registered under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Information Technology Act at a local police station.

Investigators allege that the suspects were in contact with handlers based in Pakistan and used platforms like Instagram and Telegram to spread extremist ideology and recruit youth for terror-related activities. They are also suspected of receiving funds from abroad to support their operations.

Police believe the group may have been part of a wider network spanning multiple states, with around 10 individuals allegedly involved. Further investigation is underway to uncover the full extent of their connections and activities.