Two Al-Umma operatives, Abubacker Siddique (alias Amanullah) and Mohammed Ali (alias Mansoor), were arrested in Rayachoti, Andhra Pradesh, on July 1 by Tamil Nadu’s ATS, with help from local police. The duo, wanted in multiple bomb blast cases in Tamil Nadu, had been living under false identities for over 20 years, running a sari shop and keeping a low profile.
Police recovered explosives sufficient to make 50–60 IEDs, including ammonium nitrate with fuel oil, slurry explosives, potassium compounds, gunpowder, and a 20 kg PETN-based suitcase bomb, which was safely defused by the anti-terror unit OCTOPUS. Also seized were walkie-talkies, hacking tools, clock timers, pressure switches, coding manuals, city maps, and religious literature.
The suspects allegedly planned attacks in three major Indian cities. Authorities are investigating possible local support, including involvement from family members. No evidence suggests local recruitment or training activities.
Siddique is linked to several past attacks, including the 1995 Nagur police station case and a failed 2011 bombing during L.K. Advani’s Rath Yatra. Ali was wanted for his role in the 1999 Egmore bombing attempt. Both suspects’ wives have also been arrested and sent to Kadapa jail.
Al-Umma terrorists arrested in Andhra Pradesh with explosives for 60 IEDs
Type of event:
IED - Improvised Explosive Device, Counterterrorism
July 4, 2025