Saeeda Begum, arrested from Hyderabad last month, headed Islamic State’s 'Khawateen' group

Saeeda was carrying out Jihadi activities as an Instagram 'influencer'

Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh) – The interrogation of Saeeda Begum, a 38-year-old Instagram ‘influencer’ from Hyderabad, who was arrested by the Andhra Pradesh Police last month, has revealed critical information. Saeeda is accused of being associated with an inter-State terrorist ‘module’ (a unit formed to plan and execute terrorist acts) and of having tried to establish a separate women’s terrorist wing called ‘Khawateen’ (women). The operation was carried out under a larger ‘module’ busted in Vijayawada and its investigation is still ongoing. So far, 12 suspects from 6 States have been arrested in this operation.

🚨 Saida Begum, arrested in Bhagyanagar (Telangana), exposed as head of ISIS ‘Khawateen’ (women’s wing)

⚠️ Operated under guise of a social media influencer

⚠️ Accused of online radicalisation & recruiting 42 women

⚠️ Linked to terror conspiracy plots

⚖️ Fast-track trials… pic.twitter.com/HH2yscWqmM

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) April 10, 2026

Accused of online radicalism and recruiting 42 women

Saeeda Begum was involved in radical activities through online forums. She had connected 42 women to this network through online groups associated with the Islamic State and Al Qaeda. These groups were used to circulate videos of Al Qaeda terrorist Osama bin Laden and provocative speeches by radical preachers like Zakir Naik and Israr Ahmed. Saeeda used to incite people to spread Jihadi literature in these groups and tried to influence the youth, according to the investigation agencies.

‘Khawateen’ wing and the conspiracy of attacks

According to Police, Saeeda was being groomed to lead a female terrorist cell called ‘Khawateen’ (Women). Under this cell, women were trained in the use of weapons, sniper rifles and explosives to carry out terror attacks across the country. This ‘module’ is linked to ‘handlers’ in Pakistan. Saeeda was working with the mastermind of this network, Rahmatullah Sharif, who was arrested from Vijayawada on March 24^th, 2026.

From ordinary woman to terrorist

Saeeda Begum lived in a small rented house in Chanchalguda area with her parents and 6-year-old son. After separating from her husband, she used to support the family by doing domestic work. She made reels of herself cooking at home, then made videos advertising local tailors and small businessmen, earning between Rs 500 and Rs 1,000.