Terror Suspect Linked to Zakir Naik Arrested for Bomb-Making

Explosive materials, Isis literature, and digital evidence were seized from terror suspects recently arrested in Andhra Pradesh's Rayachoti town. The suspects, Abubacker Siddique and Mohammed Ali, were apprehended by the Tamil Nadu Anti-Terrorism Squad. Siddique, described as a major operative with bomb-making experience and links to past attacks, is believed to have been inspired by fugitive preacher Zakir Naik.

Police revealed that Siddique is an expert in manufacturing Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and electronic triggering mechanisms. He is suspected of involvement in the bombing at the BJP office in Malleshwaram, Bengaluru, and a pipe-bomb attempt in Madurai during L K Advani's rath yatra in 2011. Investigations are ongoing to uncover his full network and past terror-related activities.

Authorities found daggers, sickles, digital timers, clock switches, speed controllers, ball bearings, nuts, bolts, walkie-talkies, mobile phones, binoculars, hacking software, maps of Indian cities, coding manuals, digital storage devices, cheque books, and financial records during searches at the suspects' premises. A parcel bomb recovered earlier was safely disposed of by the police on July 3.

DIG Koya Praveen stated that Siddique, who had been living in Rayachoti, had national and international connections. He operated independently, offering bomb-making expertise to individuals sharing his radical ideology. The investigation into his activities continues to uncover the extent of his network.