Detained persons suspected to be part of the module were planning major attacks in Hyderabad (Image courtesy: Google Maps) Detained persons suspected to be part of the module were planning major attacks in Hyderabad (Image courtesy: Google Maps)

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) Wednesday busted a module in Hyderabad whose members allegedly owed allegiance to ISIS, and were on planning to attack multiple targets in the city. Officials said that the module was planning to trigger bomb blasts at communally sensitive areas like Charminar, and markets and malls, and target an important government building.

“They had recced a few places and also planned targeted killing of some people and for that purpose they procured small arms and were in the process of procuring other weapons also. This raid was conducted in time to prevent bloodshed and chaos,” an

official said. An official said that the youths were planning something big in Hyderabad.

WATCH VIDEO: Video Of NIA Officers Outside Charminar

In a late night swoop at several places in the city, at least 13 persons were detained by teams of NIA from Hyderabad and Karnataka, assisted by Hyderabad Police. The NIA has not officially shown them as arrested, but is questioning them. Among those detained is Mohammed Ibrahim Yajdhani, a young software engineer, and his brother Mohammed Iliyas Yajdhani, who is also a computer applications graduate. An NIA official said that members of the module were under watch for over four months. After it became evident that the module had gathered material to prepare explosives and secured arms, it was decided to conduct the raid.

The arrests were made from houses in Chandrayangutta, Mirchowk, Talabkatta, Bhavaninagar, and Mogalpura. Some explosives, a few small arms, fake currency, and forged identity documents have been seized from them. While NIA has picked up 13 persons, only four may be arrested and the rest released after being questioned. The four who are likely to be arrested are Ibrahim, Hasib, Fahad, and Yasir. Officers found ammonium nitrate and hydrogen peroxide stored in the homes of these four youths.

Officials say that the remaining nine persons may not have played key roles in the module and may be released after questioning. This includes Ibrahim’s brother. Three pistols were recovered with prohibited bore ammunition from the four youths. All the 13 persons who were picked up were living with their parents or families. The suspects were using air guns for firing practice. They conducted recce of some malls and religious places which they wanted to target. Cash, forged identity documents, and literature on making explosives was seized from their possession.

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