In a major operation, three youth who were followers of the banned terror groups and underwent training in terrorist operations, were arrested in Vijayawada.

The accused, who developed contacts with the ISIS activists in Hyderabad, Bihar, Karnataka, West Bengal, Delhi and other States, planned to execute terror activities across the country.

On receiving information on the activities of the banned terrorist organisations the intelligence police of the NTR Commissionerate arrested the accused on Monday (March 23, 2026).

The arrested were identified as Mohammad Rehmatulla Sharif, Md. Danish and Mirza Sohail Baig, all natives of Vijayawada. The accused were working as App-based drivers and in some hotels and were carrying out their planning clandestinely.

During investigation, it was revealed that the youth were attracted to Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) operations and were in contact with the handlers in different States and countries.

“The terrorist sympathisers were following the social media groups related to ISIS and AQIS and the terror preachers, and posted the related contents,” a police officer said.

The Two Town police registered a case under various sections of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA) and other charges. West Zone Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) N.S.V.K. Durga Rao is investigating the case.