Warangal: In a significant counter-terror operation, intelligence agencies have arrested Mohammed Zakriya, a 55-year-old Pakistani national, suspected of operating a sleeper cell network in India. Zakriya was apprehended at Chennai International Airport on January 25 while attempting to travel to Sri Lanka.
As per reports, Zakriya has been under surveillance for his alleged role in coordinating terror sleeper cells across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Intelligence officials believe he was heading to Sri Lanka to attend a secret meeting following the reported death of his terror outfit’s leader. His arrest has exposed a deep-rooted network of terror financing, radicalization, and cross-border connections.
Zakriya, originally from Pakistan, has been residing in India for 25 years, initially in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, before moving to Hanamkonda, Warangal district, Telangana. He operated Royal Bawarchi Biryani, a food business suspected of being a front for terror activities. Authorities also link him to religious conversions in Warangal.
During a raid at his residence, security forces recovered explosives, firearms, and multiple fake identification documents. With growing concerns over a larger sleeper cell network, intelligence agencies, including RAW and IB, have issued high alerts across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu to dismantle any potential threats.
