Delhi Police’s Special Cell said they have foiled a major terror plot after busting an Islamic State (IS)-inspired module in a series of coordinated raids on Tuesday and Wednesday. Nearly a dozen suspects were detained from Delhi, Ranchi, Mumbai and other locations, with five formally arrested by late Wednesday. Officials said the arrests followed an intelligence alert about individuals allegedly in the advanced stages of preparing terrorist activities.
Two suspects, Abu Bakr alias Sufian and Aftab, were apprehended near Sarai Kale Khan in southeast Delhi. A third man, identified as Danish, was detained from a lodge in Ranchi, where he had been staying for 18 months. Additional arrests were made from Madhya Pradesh and Hyderabad, police sources confirmed.
IED-making materials seized
During the raids, officers seized materials believed to be used in the preparation of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). These included hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sodium bicarbonate, sulphur powder, and a range of electronic components such as circuit boards, copper wiring, diodes and motherboards. Police also recovered ball bearings, knives, gloves, respiratory masks, and a pH value checker.
From Danish’s possession, investigators found a country-made pistol, live ammunition, laptops, mobile phones and cash. Officials suspect the cache was intended to aid in bomb-making and possible arms production.
Online radicalisation and Pakistani links
Investigations revealed that the suspects were in contact with each other and external handlers via encrypted apps including Signal and Telegram. They had formed an online group named Ghazwa-e-Hind, echoing a jihadist concept of establishing Islamic rule in the Indian subcontinent. Police said the suspects were being instructed on how to assemble IEDs and procure chemicals through online channels.
Further probing has pointed to links with handlers in Pakistan. Sources said the accused maintained multiple social media accounts through which they communicated with Pakistan-based operatives. These channels were allegedly used both to radicalise Indian youth and to recruit them into the module.
Danish, described by officials as a key member of the group, reportedly operated the network from within India while liaising with contacts across the border. Joint interrogation of the suspects by various agencies is ongoing to establish the full scope of the network and identify any remaining operatives.
Police sources also said the group ran several online forums designed to inflame communal divisions and spread extremist propaganda. The arrests were made after raids across four to five states, during which nearly eight individuals were questioned.
FIR filed
Delhi Police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the suspects under charges relating to promoting enmity between communities, disturbing religious harmony and possessing illegal arms. Digital devices seized during the operation have been sent for forensic examination.
Officials stressed that the investigation is at a critical stage and further disclosures may follow. “An anti-terror operation is currently underway and details cannot be disclosed at this stage,” Additional Commissioner (Special Cell) Pramod Kushwaha said.