5 held for planning attacks on Indian religious, other sites

HYDERABAD, India – India’s federal investigative agency has arrested five people for allegedly collecting weapons and explosive materials to attack religious sites and sensitive government buildings in various parts of the country.

The suspects appeared in court Thursday, which sent them to jail for 14 days while the agency completes its investigation of the case.

During questioning late Wednesday, the suspects revealed that they were being guided by an online handler suspected to be based in Iraq or Syria, the National Investigation Agency said in a statement, adding that it is looking into possible links with the Islamic State group.

It said two semi-automatic pistols, chemicals for making deadly explosives and 1.5 million rupees ($22,000) in cash were recovered from the suspects in the southern city of Hyderabad.

An air gun with a telescopic sight and shooting practice targets were also seized during searches, the statement said.

The agency accused the five of entering into a criminal conspiracy to wage war against the government.