New Delhi: The Delhi Police Special Cell conducted a major intelligence-led operation on Saturday, April 18, 2026, resulting in the arrest of four radicalised youths across three states. Officials confirmed that the individuals were influenced by extremist ideologies aimed at establishing a caliphate and were allegedly preparing to join a militant group associated with the concept of Ghazwa-e-Hind. During the crackdown, investigators recovered various materials intended for the assembly of an improvised explosive device (IED), including electronic components and modified mechanical parts.
The suspects have been identified as Mosaib Ahmad from Thane, Mohammad Hammad from Mumbai, Sheikh Imran from Bhubaneswar, and Mohammad Sohail from Katihar. According to police reports, the group operated primarily through encrypted social media platforms, acting as administrators for closed groups where they discussed jihad and the formation of an Islamic state. Two of the accused were reportedly in the advanced stages of assembling a remote-controlled IED using locally sourced materials, such as ball bearings and nails, intended for a potential strike on high-profile targets.
Detailed investigations revealed that the module was active in recruitment and fundraising. Mohammad Sohail, a plumber from Bihar, allegedly used personal bank details and QR codes to solicit funds, while others offered to arrange arms and physical training. One member, Sheikh Imran, had previously conducted reconnaissance of sensitive installations in Delhi, including the Red Fort, in late 2025. Mosaib Ahmad, an automobile mechanic, allegedly utilized his technical skills to modify a remote-controlled toy car to serve as a trigger for the explosive device. Police have seized several digital devices for forensic analysis as they continue to trace the broader network and its financial links.
