4 radicalised youths arrested in multi-state operation; IED material recovered
They were allegedly involved in radicalising and recruiting others through closed groups on encrypted social media platforms
In an intelligence-led operation, the Delhi Police Special Cell arrested four allegedly radicalised youths from three states and recovered material used for preparing an improvised explosive device (IED), officials said on Saturday.
The accused 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.
Police said the four were influenced by extremist ideology, centred on establishing a caliphate and were preparing to join a purported “lashkar” linked to the concept of Ghazwa-e-Hind.
They were also allegedly involved in radicalising and recruiting others through closed groups on encrypted social media platforms, an official said.
According to the cop, members of the group acted as administrators and participants in multiple closed online groups where discussions on jihad and formation of an Islamic state were carried out.
Two of the accused were in the process of collecting locally sourced materials to assemble a remote-controlled IED, which could be used for a potential attack, the official mentioned.
Investigators said one member allegedly encouraged others to procure weapons and explosives and shared his bank and QR code details to raise funds in the name of jihad. Another accused purportedly offered to arrange arms and physical training, including horse riding, and sought financial contributions from group members.
Police added that one of the accused had visited “sensitive installations” in Delhi, including the Red Fort, in December 2025 and shared an image depicting a black flag atop the monument on social media to influence others.
During the investigation, mobile phones and other digital devices belonging to the accused were seized for forensic analysis.
Mosaib Ahmad, originally from Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh and currently working at an automobile workshop in Thane, has allegedly used his mechanical skills to assist in assembling the IED by modifying a remote-controlled toy car.
Mohammad Hammad, a Class 12 student pursuing studies through correspondence in Mumbai, has been accused of procuring materials such as ball bearings, nails and electronic components and sharing images of these items within the group before handing them over for assembly.
Sheikh Imran, a Bhubaneswar resident who has worked as a security guard and delivery boy, allegedly created a closed online group where discussions on jihad, khilafat and potential targets such as the Ram Mandir, Parliament and military installations were held. Police said he also conducted reconnaissance visits to Delhi in December 2025.
Mohammad Sohail, a plumber from Katihar in Bihar, has been accused of running multiple social media accounts through which he allegedly incited youth and raised funds by sharing his bank details and QR codes.
Police said further investigation is underway to identify additional links and the full extent of the network.
