Delhi Police Foil Suspected Terror Plot: Four Radicalised Youth Arrested After Alleged Reconnaissance of Red Fort and India Gate
In a precision-led operation, the Delhi Police Special Cell has arrested four young men from different parts of the country for their alleged involvement in activities linked to extremist ideology and suspected terror planning.
Officials say the timely intervention may have prevented a potentially serious security threat.
According to police, the accused — identified as Mosaib Ahmad alias Sonu alias Kalam from Thane in Maharashtra, Mohammad Hammad from Mumbai, Sheikh Imran from Bhubaneswar in Odisha, and Mohammad Sohail from Katihar in Bihar — had come under the influence of radical content circulated through closed online groups operating on encrypted social media platforms.
Investigators believe that the group had gradually adopted extremist beliefs centred around the idea of establishing a Caliphate and supporting what they described as a “Lashkar from Khurasan”.
Officials allege that the accused had expressed intentions to participate in so-called “Ghazwa-e-Hind”, a term often invoked in extremist propaganda, and had also attempted to draw others into their ideological fold.
The arrests were carried out by the New Delhi Range (NDR) team of the Special Cell under the supervision of ACP Ashish Kumar.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Praveen Kumar Tripathi stated that one of the accused had conducted reconnaissance visits to prominent national landmarks such as the Red Fort and India Gate in December 2025, allegedly identifying them as potential targets.
Police officials said that during the operation, they recovered materials suspected to be linked to the preparation of an improvised explosive device (IED).
Among the items allegedly found were ball bearings, nails, and components of a modified toy car believed to be intended for use in a remote-controlled device.
Several mobile phones and digital devices were also seized and are currently being examined by forensic experts to establish the extent of the network and any external connections.
Investigators further claimed that two members of the group were actively attempting to arrange locally available materials that could be assembled into an explosive device.
One accused allegedly circulated images of the materials within the group, while another was reportedly attempting to collect funds through QR codes and bank details, claiming that the money would be used to support extremist activities.
Sheikh Imran, described by investigators as a key figure in the group, is alleged to have discussed possible targets and assured other members that he would arrange access to weapons and physical training.
Officials also claim that some of the accused had been consuming online lectures of radical preachers over a prolonged period, which contributed to their gradual shift towards extremist views.
One of the individuals is also alleged to have shared a digitally edited image depicting the Red Fort with a black flag, which investigators believe was intended to provoke sentiments and encourage further radicalisation among sympathisers.
Police officials emphasised that swift action helped avert a possible threat, underscoring the importance of monitoring online spaces where extremist propaganda is often disseminated.
Authorities are now working to identify any additional links, financial channels, or wider networks that may be connected to the group.
The investigation remains ongoing, with agencies focusing on understanding how the individuals came into contact with radical content and whether others may have been influenced or involved.
Officials say the case highlights the growing challenge posed by online radicalisation and the need for continued vigilance to prevent vulnerable youth from being drawn into extremist narratives.
