A joint operation by Telangana and AP police led to the apprehension of Sameer, a Hyderabad lift technician, and Siraj Ur Rehman from Vizianagaram, for allegedly plotting bomb blasts.

HYDERABAD: Two suspects, including one from the city, have been apprehended in a joint operation by the Telangana and AP police as they were allegedly preparing to carry out bomb blasts. The duo was allegedly preparing to test explosives prior to finalising their intended target. The accused have been identified as Sameer, a 27-year-old lift technician from Bhoiguda, and Siraj Ur Rehman, a graduate and currently unemployed from Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh.

According to police, Siraj’s role was key in the plan with Sameer allegedly supporting him in advancing their conspiracy to carry out subversive activities. Recently, Siraj had procured bomb precursors, including explosive materials, from various e-commerce platforms.The materials were stored at his residence as part of the duo’s plan. They intended to conduct a test explosion on the outskirts of Vizianagaram using these materials, sources in Telangana police told TOI. On learning of the conspiracy, intelligence officials from the Telugu states acted swiftly and detained the suspects two days ago. “During interrogation, it emerged that they were planning a terrorist strike, although they had not yet decided on the time or location,” the sources said.

The two are said to have come into contact through a Saudi Arabia-based handler. When asked if the suspects were linked to any terrorist organisation, officials stated: “They are self-radicalised with no known affiliations, although they were intent on executing subversive actions.” Authorities are currently analysing the devices used by the accused in an effort to recover their communications with the handler.It is understood that they made contact via social media, having been part of like-minded closed online groups.