The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday carried out coordinated nationwide searches in connection with an alleged conspiracy involving online radicalisation and the promotion of violent jihad aimed at establishing an Islamic State (Khilafat) in India. Simultaneous raids were conducted at 20 locations across 10 states, including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Delhi. During the operation, investigators seized several digital devices and electronic records, which will now undergo detailed forensic examination.
According to the NIA, the case relates to an alleged conspiracy to undermine India’s democratically elected government through violent extremist activities. The agency alleges that the ideology of banned terrorist organisations, including the Islamic State (IS) and Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), was being promoted through various online platforms. Investigators claim that social media, encrypted messaging applications and other digital channels were allegedly used to disseminate extremist propaganda, radicalise individuals and encourage acts of violence.
The seized electronic devices—including mobile phones, laptops, hard drives, storage media and other digital equipment—will be subjected to forensic analysis. Investigators aim to identify additional individuals linked to the network, examine digital communications, trace online contacts and analyse any financial transactions connected to the alleged activities.
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The NIA stated that 11 accused persons and one juvenile have been arrested in the case so far. The investigation originated in March 2026 after Vijayawada Police conducted a search at the residence of the main accused, Rahmatullah Sharif Mohammed. Following the preliminary investigation, the case was transferred to the NIA for further probe.
According to the agency, the arrested individuals and their associates allegedly circulated extremist content and misleading material to influence young people towards violent radicalisation. The NIA further alleges that some members of the network were in contact with handlers based abroad and were acting on their instructions to propagate extremist ideology and further anti-India activities. Investigators are also examining whether the network was involved in recruitment, training or logistical support for extremist operations.
Officials are now analysing the seized digital evidence to determine the scale of the alleged network, the digital platforms used for communication and propaganda, and whether additional associates were operating in other parts of the country. Investigators are also examining online accounts, communication records and other electronic data to establish the network’s structure and operational methods.
Security experts note that the increasing use of encrypted digital platforms has made online extremist propaganda and recruitment more sophisticated and difficult to detect. They say digital forensics, cyber intelligence, financial investigations and international cooperation remain critical in identifying such networks and preventing extremist activities at an early stage.
The investigation remains ongoing. The NIA has stated that further legal action will depend on the analysis of the seized digital devices, electronic evidence, financial records and other material collected during the investigation. All allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial scrutiny, and the final conclusions will emerge only after the completion of the legal process.
