The Delhi Police Special Cell on Saturday arrested four alleged radicalised youths in an intelligence-led operation spanning multiple states, officials said. The accused, hailing from Maharashtra, Odisha and Bihar, were reportedly involved in preparing improvised explosive devices (IEDs), radicalising individuals online and planning terror strikes at high-value locations across the country.

Authorities said the arrests were carried out by the Special Cell’s NDR team following sustained surveillance and intelligence inputs. The operation marks a significant breakthrough in preventing a potential terror threat targeting prominent national landmarks.

Alleged Radicalisation And IED Preparation

According to police, the accused were influenced by extremist ideology centred on establishing a caliphate and were allegedly motivated by narratives linked to “Ghazwa-e-Hind”. Investigators said the group operated through encrypted social media platforms, where they disseminated radical content and attempted to recruit new members.

Material suspected to be used in the preparation of an IED was recovered from one of the accused. Officials revealed that two members were actively sourcing locally available components to assemble a remote-controlled explosive device. The alleged plan was to deploy the device at an opportune moment to maximise impact.

Police further stated that the group had identified several high-value targets, including the Ram Mandir, Parliament House and certain military installations. One accused had reportedly visited Delhi’s Red Fort in December 2025 and circulated an edited image depicting a black flag atop the monument to incite and radicalise followers online.

Roles Of The Accused And Online Network

The arrested individuals have been identified as Mosaib Ahmad alias Sonu alias Kalam from Thane, Mohammad Hammad from Mumbai, Sheikh Imran from Bhubaneswar and Mohammad Sohail from Katihar. Officials said the accused were either administrators or active members of closed online groups where discussions related to extremist activities, recruitment and funding were taking place.

Investigators alleged that one of the accused encouraged followers to collect weapons and explosives while sharing bank account and QR code details to raise funds. Another individual reportedly promised to arrange arms and physical training for recruits, including specialised training modules.

Police said Sheikh Imran became increasingly radicalised in 2024 after consuming online lectures and later conducted reconnaissance visits to sensitive locations in Delhi, including India Gate and the Red Fort. He allegedly discussed potential targets and assured logistical support for training activities in Odisha.

Mosaib Ahmad, originally from Uttar Pradesh and previously employed in technical jobs in India and Gulf countries, is accused of assisting in modifying a remote-controlled toy car circuit to potentially convert it into an explosive device, based on inputs shared by co-accused Mohammad Hammad.

Investigation Underway

Another accused, Mohammad Sohail, allegedly used multiple social media accounts to incite youth and mobilise support for extremist activities. Police said he actively encouraged followers as recently as March 2026 to gather weapons and raise funds.

The operation was led by Inspectors Vinay Pal and Manoj Kumar under the supervision of ACP Ashish Kumar. An FIR has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 at the Special Cell police station.

Officials confirmed that further investigation is ongoing to trace additional links, uncover the full extent of the network and determine whether more individuals were involved in the alleged conspiracy.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share