Youth Arrested for Terror Plot Linked to Iraq-Based Handler
Arrest Details
A recent investigation into a terror plot in Delhi has led to the arrest of a 28-year-old man identified as Rizwan Ahmad. The accused was apprehended from his home in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, on April 4, following credible intelligence concerning his connections to ISIS and alleged recruitment efforts. In addition to Ahmad, authorities are investigating connections with another individual based in Mumbai.
According to police reports, Ahmad was in contact with an Iraq-based handler named Abu Osama, who is believed to have given him instructions regarding the recruitment of juveniles and the radicalization of youth within India for ISIS operations.
Evidence and Investigation
During the raid on Ahmad’s residence, law enforcement officials discovered incriminating materials such as potassium nitrate, citric acid monohydrate, alarm clocks, electrical wires, batteries, and indicators, all of which could potentially be used to assemble improvised explosive devices (IEDs). This evidence raises significant concerns about the intended terror strikes in sensitive locations across India.
An initial police report was filed on March 28 under Section 61(2) of the BNS and multiple sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Investigators found that Ahmad had been using social media platforms to reach out to individuals sharing anti-national sentiments, contributing to his recruitment efforts.
Radicalization Efforts
Ahmad’s radicalization activities allegedly included the recruitment of three to four young individuals. The police believe he targeted specific sites for potential attacks. A source within the Delhi Police Special Cell indicated that the investigation revealed he was in touch with Osama, though the latter’s full identity remains under verification.
During his questioning, Ahmad admitted to receiving directives from Osama, further implicating him in plotting terror activities. The authorities are looking into deeper ISIS networks as part of a broader effort to dismantle the module and trace additional recruits.
Criminal Background
This is not Ahmad’s first encounter with law enforcement. He was previously arrested in 2016 by both the Mumbai police and the National Investigation Agency (NIA), resulting in a conviction and an eight-year prison sentence. Upon being released from prison in 2024, he soon began seeking odd jobs but reportedly resumed his previous practices of radicalization and recruitment within a short timeframe.
Sources indicate that he was instructed by his handler to create a cryptocurrency wallet for the purpose of receiving funds. Ahmad had even identified a juvenile whom he purportedly planned to send to Nepal for training, suggesting that his recruitment efforts were systematic and targeted.
Ongoing Investigations
As the investigation continues, police officials maintain that they suspect broader ISIS networks operating within the region. Probing agencies are actively working to dismantle these networks while tracking down recruits linked to Ahmad’s activities. The developments in this case underscore ongoing concerns regarding radicalization and terrorism in India.
