NIA busts suspected IS terror module; 11 youths detained

HYDERABAD: The NIA today claimed to have busted a "terror module" that is suspected to be linked to the Islamic State(IS) group and detained 11 youths including a techie and some graduates after conducting searches at different locations in the old city here.

The NIA sleuths also recovered weapons, ammunition, urea, acid, some chemicals, electronic gadgets and other incriminating material besides Rs 15 lakh in cash from their possession, officials of National Investigation Agency(NIA) and Hyderabad Police said, adding the youths were working at the behest of IS handlers.

"Searches were conducted by NIA over some suspected terror activities that were planned to be carried out in the city...11 youths including a techie have been detained and Rs 15 lakh cash besides some explosive material has been seized from them," a senior intelligence officer told PTI.

Based on credible information that some youths hailing from Hyderabad and their accomplices have entered into criminal conspiracy to wage war against India by collecting weapons and explosive materials to commit terrorist acts, the searches were conducted at atleast 10 locations since early hours of today with assistance of Hyderabad Police, the officer said.

Meanwhile, the raids also gave the BJP ammunition to attack the Telangana government and accused it of displaying "criminal neglect" in preventing Hyderabad from becoming a "safe haven" for terror elements.

"NIA busted an ISIS module in Hyderabad and raids are still underway. BJP questions TS ( Telangana State) government on its criminal neglect in preventing Hyderabad and old city from becoming safe havens for terrorists," BJP state unit spokesperson Krishna Saagar Rao said in a statement.