Hyderabad hotel worker arrested over terror links after fake gun Instagram reels
A 23-year-old hotel worker was arrested for alleged terror links after Instagram reels posted by him featuring fake guns triggered a Counter Intelligence probe.
A 23-year-old hotel worker from Uttar Pradesh was arrested in Hyderabad for allegedly maintaining contact with suspected ISIS-linked operatives and sharing suspicious content on social media, officials said.
The accused, Zaid Khan, was working at a hotel in Hyderabad and recently came under the radar of Counter Intelligence officials after allegedly posting Instagram reels featuring fake guns.
According to police sources, the videos triggered suspicion among investigators, prompting a detailed probe into his online activities and contacts.
During the investigation, officials allegedly found that Khan was in touch with suspects identified as Habib and Rana Hussain, who are believed to have links with Pakistan-based extremist Shahabad.
Investigators reportedly traced several voice calls and online chats linked to the accused before alerting the police station under whose jurisdiction his workplace falls.
Acting on intelligence inputs, the police detained Khan and later placed him under arrest. During searches, police seized two fake pistols allegedly used in the Instagram reels.
Officials are now examining the accused’s digital devices, social media activity and communication records to ascertain the nature of his contacts and whether there was any attempt at radicalisation or recruitment.
Police said further investigation is underway.
A 23-year-old hotel worker from Uttar Pradesh was arrested in Hyderabad for allegedly maintaining contact with suspected ISIS-linked operatives and sharing suspicious content on social media, officials said.
The accused, Zaid Khan, was working at a hotel in Hyderabad and recently came under the radar of Counter Intelligence officials after allegedly posting Instagram reels featuring fake guns.
According to police sources, the videos triggered suspicion among investigators, prompting a detailed probe into his online activities and contacts.
During the investigation, officials allegedly found that Khan was in touch with suspects identified as Habib and Rana Hussain, who are believed to have links with Pakistan-based extremist Shahabad.
Investigators reportedly traced several voice calls and online chats linked to the accused before alerting the police station under whose jurisdiction his workplace falls.
Acting on intelligence inputs, the police detained Khan and later placed him under arrest. During searches, police seized two fake pistols allegedly used in the Instagram reels.
Officials are now examining the accused’s digital devices, social media activity and communication records to ascertain the nature of his contacts and whether there was any attempt at radicalisation or recruitment.
Police said further investigation is underway.
