A 38-year-old single mother from Hyderabad has been arrested by Andhra Pradesh Police for her alleged involvement in an interstate terror network, with investigators claiming she played a key role in online radicalisation and recruitment activities. The accused, Sayeeda Begum, who had built a modest social media presence with around 38,000 Instagram followers, is now under scrutiny for allegedly using digital platforms to connect with and influence individuals across multiple states.
According to police findings, Begum was taken into custody on March 25 during an operation led by Vijayawada Police. Subsequent investigations revealed that she was allegedly being groomed to head a proposed women’s wing of a terror outfit referred to as “Khawateen.” Authorities claim that the plan involved training recruited women in handling firearms, sniper rifles, and explosives, with the broader objective of carrying out coordinated attacks across different parts of India.
Officials further stated that Begum is suspected of recruiting as many as 42 women through online channels linked to extremist groups. The FIR indicates that she was part of digital groups that circulated radical content, including videos of al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden and speeches by controversial preachers such as Zakir Naik and Israr Ahmed. These groups allegedly shared propaganda material associated with ISIS and al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), pointing to a wider network of influence.
Investigators have also suggested that the module had possible links to handlers based in Pakistan, and that Begum was working alongside key accused Rahamathullah Sharif, who is believed to have led the network. Several other individuals connected to the group were also arrested in March as part of the broader crackdown.
Despite the allegations, Begum has denied any wrongdoing. Her legal counsel has argued that she did not create or manage any of the online groups in question and was instead added to them without her knowledge. During questioning, she reportedly told police that she had joined certain groups after receiving links via Instagram and WhatsApp months earlier, initially believing them to be related to religious discussions.
Background details about Begum suggest a financially modest life. She lived in Hyderabad’s Chanchalguda area with her parents and young son after separating from her husband several years ago. To support her family, she worked as a domestic help and supplemented her income by creating social media content, including short promotional videos for local businesses such as tailors and small vendors.
Authorities allege that alongside this online activity, she encouraged members within certain groups to circulate extremist material. The investigation remains ongoing, with agencies continuing to examine the extent of the network, its funding, and any potential operational plans linked to the recruits.
