Conducted searches in the houses of “Sympathizers of the Caliphate Movement” in Thanjavur

Special Intelligence Unit operatives raided the homes of six people alleged to be “sympathizers” of the global Islamic State and Caliphate (Khilafah) movement in Thanjavur on Tuesday (September 29, 2026).

The investigation reportedly revealed that the six were actively involved in the activities of a movement called “Hizb-ut-Tahrir” (HuT), which police said aimed to establish a global Islamic State and caliphate, including in India, by overthrowing democratically elected governments “through jihad and terrorist activities involving citizens”.

As the movement’s intent was a serious threat to democratic order and internal security, as HuT promotes radicalization and motivates gullible youth to join terrorist organizations like ISIS and raise funds for terrorist activities, the Home Ministry declared HuT a terrorist organization under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 2024, police said.

The searches were conducted by a team of SIU staff led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Thanjavur Charles after obtaining search warrants from the court, sources said.

Published – 29 Sep 2026 15:01 IST