HYDERABAD: In a coordinated operation, police from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have arrested two individuals allegedly involved in plotting bomb blasts and conducting explosive tests as part of a planned terror attack.

The suspects have been identified as 27-year-old Sameer, a lift technician from Bhoiguda in Hyderabad, and Siraj Ur Rehman, an unemployed graduate from Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh. Authorities say Siraj played a central role in the plot, with Sameer assisting in advancing their subversive plans.

According to investigators, Siraj had recently purchased explosive precursors from multiple e-commerce platforms, which he stored at his residence. The pair intended to carry out a trial explosion on the outskirts of Vizianagaram before selecting a final target.

Acting on intelligence inputs, officials from both states apprehended the suspects two days ago. “During interrogation, it became clear they were preparing for a terror strike, though they had not yet decided on the location or timing,” sources in the Telangana police told TOI.

The investigation has also revealed that the duo were allegedly in contact with a handler based in Saudi Arabia. While authorities have not confirmed links to any known terror organization, officials believe the two were self-radicalised and operating independently. “They were part of closed online groups with like-minded individuals and used social media to communicate with the handler,” a source said.

Police are currently analyzing the digital devices recovered from the suspects to trace their communications and further investigate the extent of their network.