In a significant breakthrough against terrorism, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a comprehensive chargesheet against Sheikh Amanullah, alias Abu Bakr Siddiqui, the prime accused in the 2025 explosives seizure case in Andhra Pradesh. The court in Vijayawada received the document on Friday, marking a crucial step in dismantling a long-standing terror network.
Siddiqui, who had been evading capture since 1999, was found hiding in Rayachoti, Annamayya district, under a false identity. Authorities recovered a cache of illegal explosives, improvised explosive device (IED) components, prohibited weapons, terror literature, and incriminating documents from his residence. Investigations revealed he was actively plotting attacks, radicalizing youth, recruiting operatives, and training them in IED fabrication while scouting potential targets.
The charges invoke stringent provisions under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Explosives Substances Act 1908, and Arms Act. Siddiqui’s criminal history spans decades, including 14 cases in Tamil Nadu such as the 1995 parcel bomb incident, multiple bomb blasts in 1999, smuggling explosives on trains, sheltering fugitives, a failed bombing during a leader’s chariot procession in 2011, and assassinations of political figures between 2012-13. He maintained ties with the banned outfit Al Ummah, orchestrating attacks across South India.
Tamil Nadu Police arrested him on July 1, 2025, uncovering his true identity. Andhra Pradesh Police followed up in August with his arrest in the explosives case, after which the NIA took over, registering it as RC-17/2025/NIA/DLI. This coordinated effort underscores the vigilance of India’s security apparatus in neutralizing threats posed by entrenched militants. The NIA continues probing for accomplices, signaling ongoing operations to eradicate such networks.
This development serves as a stark reminder of the persistent danger from sleeper cells operating under the radar for years. Enhanced surveillance and inter-agency collaboration remain vital to preempt any terror activities, ensuring public safety across the nation.