Hyderabad Woman Held for Alleged AQIS Links
HYDERABAD: The Counter Intelligence wing of Andhra Pradesh Police, along with Vijayawada police, took a 35-year-old woman into custody from Chanchalguda early Wednesday. Police suspect her of having links with Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS).
The woman, identified as Sayeeda Begum, lives with her six-year-old son and parents near Zaikha Hotel on Chanchalguda Road. Police said she maintained contact with individuals linked to banned terror groups.
Interrogation Reveals Wider Network
Police traced her role after arresting Mohammed Rahmathullah Sharif. Officers had earlier arrested him along with Mohammad Danish from Bhavanipuram and Mirza Sohail Baig from Mahanthipuram in Vijayawada. A court later remanded all three.
During questioning, Rahmathullah told investigators he stayed in touch with nearly 15 people for over a year. Sayeeda was among them. Acting on this input, Andhra Pradesh Police sent a team to Hyderabad and detained her.
Rahmathullah also said he connected with a man named Al-Hakim Shukoor through social media. Shukoor allegedly encouraged him to take up jihad in India. He also introduced him to others, including Dilkash from Bihar and Sayeeda from Hyderabad.
Devices Seized, Family Questioned
Police searched Sayeeda’s house and seized electronic devices for analysis. Officers also questioned her family to understand her activities.
Family members said her husband died a few years ago. Her mother works as a sweeper at a private institution. They added that Sayeeda often used her phone late at night but never raised suspicion.
Probe Expands Across States
The investigation has now spread to other states. Police picked up one suspect each from Bengaluru and Maharashtra.
Investigators are also examining the role of handlers. Police believe Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence-backed groups may be involved. They suspect these groups used Mohammed Shahid Faisal, a Bengaluru-based engineer believed to be in Pakistan, for recruitment.
Officials said Faisal has links to Farhatullah Ghouri, a Hyderabad native wanted in terror cases. Authorities believe Ghouri may be hiding in Saudi Arabia or Pakistan.
