Jamshedpur Under High Alert as Interpol Issues Red Notice Against Syed Mohammad Arshiyan for Leading Pakistan-Linked Sleeper Cell Network
Security agencies have intensified surveillance in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, following an international alert concerning suspected terror activity in the industrial city. The alert reportedly warns of more than a dozen active sleeper cells allegedly trained in Pakistan, prompting local authorities and central agencies to increase monitoring throughout the city. Interpol has issued a red notice for Syed Mohammad Arshiyan, the individual suspected of leading the terror nexus.
Are sleeper cells operating in India?
Interrogations of terrorists apprehended from various parts of the nation have disclosed that sleeper cells are operating across major regions in India. Among these, at least 12 are suspected to have been established in Jamshedpur. These cells are thought to maintain direct or indirect connections with handlers in Pakistan, with some members reportedly having received training abroad. Investigators also believe that multiple operatives are staying in touch with foreign handlers using encrypted communication platforms while maintaining apparently ordinary lives.
As per the New Indian Express, district police, the Intelligence Bureau (IB), and anti-terror units have been directed to stay on high alert, especially at sensitive locations, vital installations, and crowded public spaces. While authorities stated that the situation was under control, precautionary measures have been strengthened to prevent any potential threat.
Who is Syed Mohammad Arshiyan, the suspected leader of these sleeper cells?
Security agencies have named Syed Mohammad Arshiyan, a resident of the Azadnagar area in Jamshedpur, as the leader of the sleeper cell network. Arshiyan has reportedly been on the run for at least seven to eight years. Teams from India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) have reportedly visited the city on multiple occasions searching for him. Now, following recommendations from investigating agencies, Interpol has issued a Red Corner Notice against him, thus broadening the search internationally. Officials suspect Arshiyan may have been involved in recruiting and radicalising youth locally. His brother, Mohammad Zeeshan, who has also been connected to the network, is currently lodged in a Delhi jail.
Jamshedpur has previously emerged in investigations into extremist networks. In 2019, Mohammed Kalimuddin Mujahiri, a wanted member of the banned Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), was arrested in the city. During interrogation, he reportedly stated he had recruited several people by influencing them about Jihad. Investigators also traced links to Abdul Rahman Katki, arrested in Odisha in 2016.