New Delhi: In a major counter-terror breakthrough, Delhi Police’s special cell has dismantled a “pan-India terror module” with links to Pakistan handlers, arresting five men from four states who were plotting to set up a Khilafat-style group and carry out Ghazwa-e-Hind–inspired jihad.
At a press briefing, Additional Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Pramod Kushwaha said the arrested individuals had a two-stage plan — first to create their own outfit modeled as a Khilafat group, followed by targeted killings and terror strikes across India.
Recovered materials included sulphur powder, nitric acid, sulphuric acid, sodium bicarbonate, pH checkers, ball bearings, wires, electronic components, laptops, mobile phones, cartridges, and firearms — all intended for making improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The key accused, Ashhar Danish of Ranchi, posed as a professional “CEO” running a company, while within his radicalized circle he was addressed as the “Ghazwa leader.” Police said he even tried to use an NGO front to acquire land.
Along with him, two Mumbai residents — Sufiyan Abubakar Khan and Aaftab Ansari — were arrested in Delhi, while Huzaifa Yaman was held in Telangana’s Nizamabad and Kamran Qureshi from Rajgarh, Madhya Pradesh.
Investigators revealed that the group was trained online by handlers to assemble IEDs and source chemicals for bomb-making. Incriminating sketches and documents were seized. Delhi Police have registered an FIR under charges of promoting enmity, disturbing religious harmony, and illegal possession of arms.
Officials added that the arrests have averted a potential large-scale terror strike, while central agencies continue to analyze seized digital evidence to uncover wider networks and possible international links.
