Pakistani-Origin Man Arrested at Chennai Airport for Alleged Terror Links
On January 25, intelligence agencies arrested a Pakistani-origin man, Mohammed Zakriya, at Chennai International Airport as he attempted to travel to Sri Lanka. Zakriya, who is allegedly connected to the Pakistani terrorist organization Khalifa, was taken into custody by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for questioning.
25 years in India and a Food Business Cover
Zakriya had reportedly been residing in India for the past 25 years, operating a food business named “Royal Bawarchi Biryani” in Telangana. During his arrest, authorities discovered literature linked to Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan in his possession, raising suspicions about his activities in the country.
Coordinating Sleeper Cells in Telangana and West Bengal
Zakriya is believed to have been involved in managing operations for the Khalifa terrorist group in India. Intelligence agencies revealed that he spent five years in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, before relocating to Hanamkonda in Telangana’s Warangal district, where he has lived for the last 20 years.
He was reportedly coordinating sleeper cells across Telangana and West Bengal and was under surveillance by intelligence agencies. Zakriya’s arrest revealed that he planned to travel to Pakistan via Sri Lanka to participate in the election of a new leader for his terrorist organization following the recent death of its chief.
Allegations of Religious Conversions in Warangal
Authorities allege that Zakriya was also involved in Islamic religious conversions in Warangal, influencing and converting several individuals. He owned multiple businesses in Warangal and Hanamkonda, including biryani outlets, which agencies suspect were used as fronts for his terror-related activities.
Zakriya operated a fleet of 16 auto-trolley vehicles that sold sweets and ice cream, and investigators believe these were used to conceal his logistics and recruitment activities. He maintained direct communication with his handlers in Pakistan using encrypted channels and was allegedly responsible for facilitating financial transactions through hawala, providing logistical support, and recruiting local youth for his terrorist organization.
Family and Residence Details
Zakriya lived in Hanamkonda with his two brothers, two wives, and ten children. Intelligence agencies suspect he was a key figure in directing the Khalifa group’s operations in India.
Weapons and Fake IDs Seized in Raids
During a search of Zakriya’s residence, security forces reportedly recovered explosives, firearms, and multiple fake identification documents. Authorities are now intensively interrogating Zakriya to uncover further details about his links to the Khalifa group and his activities in India.
This arrest has raised concerns about the growing presence of sleeper cells and terror networks in India, and investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of Zakriya’s operations and connections.