Thu May 22 14:40:59 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

Police in Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, are seeking custody of two men, Siraj-Ur-Rehaman and Syed Sameer, arrested for possessing explosive materials and IEDs. The suspects are booked under UAPA and the Explosives Act and currently held in Visakhapatnam Central Jail. Siraj-Ur-Rehaman, a B.Tech graduate, is suspected of communicating with a handler in the Middle East, developing IEDs under their guidance, and planning attacks on soft targets and RSS cadres. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is also involved. Authorities are investigating Siraj’s bank accounts, social media activity, and potential links to terror groups such as LeT, JeM, or ISIS.

**News Article:**

**Vizianagaram Police Seek Custody of Suspected Terrorists Linked to Middle East Handler**

**VISAKHAPATNAM, May 22, 2025** – Vizianagaram police are awaiting court approval to take custody of Siraj-Ur-Rehaman and Syed Sameer, arrested earlier this week on charges of possessing explosive materials and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). A petition has been filed in court, with a decision expected late Thursday or Friday morning.

The two men are booked under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Explosives Act and are currently remanded to 14 days in Visakhapatnam Central Jail. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is also involved in the investigation.

According to authorities, Siraj-Ur-Rehaman, a 29-year-old B.Tech graduate, is suspected of being in contact with a handler operating from a Middle Eastern country. He allegedly developed IEDs with the handler’s guidance and was planning to target soft targets and members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Siraj has been under surveillance by intelligence agencies for the past year.

“Investigation is in progress from various angles,” stated a senior police officer. “We are thoroughly examining the bank accounts, social media activity, and contacts of the accused to determine the full extent of their network and intentions.”

Police are investigating potential links to established terror groups, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and ISIS. While media reports suggested Siraj traveled to the Middle East, his passport contains no such record.

“We are not leaving any loose ends and probing from all angles,” said Additional SP Soumya Latha, emphasizing the thoroughness of the investigation.

The case highlights the ongoing threat of radicalization and the potential for individuals to be influenced by external actors to carry out acts of terror. The investigation is ongoing.

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