India's NIA raids 20 sites in probe of online terror plot

India's National Investigation Agency conducted nationwide raids on Wednesday, July 8, as part of a sweeping probe into an alleged online terror radicalization conspiracy aimed at establishing an Islamic state in the country through violent jihad. The searches spanned at least 20 locations across ten states and the Union Territory of Delhi, targeting individuals linked to the case.

The operation focused on gathering digital evidence, including electronic devices and data storage, for forensic examination. Officials stated the raids were aimed at identifying associates of previously arrested suspects and disrupting networks promoting the ideologies of banned terrorist organizations ISIS and Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). The NIA said the conspiracy sought to destabilize the country and establish a so-called Caliphate.

The investigation, originally initiated by Vijayawada police, was transferred to the NIA in May after initial findings suggested a wider interstate and international network. Central to the case are three youths from Vijayawada-Mohammad Rahmatullah Sharif, Mohammad Danish, and Mirza Sohail Baig-who were arrested earlier this year. They are accused of...