Delhi Police Bust Pakistan-Backed Terror Module Plotting Targeted Killings
Key Members Arrested Across States; Explosives and Weapons Seized
New Delhi: Delhi Police’s Special Cell has dismantled a Pakistan-backed terror module plotting targeted killings across India and attempting to acquire land to establish a “caliphate,” officials revealed on Thursday.
The network was orchestrated by Ashhar Danish, an English graduate from Ranchi University, operating under the direction of a Pakistan-based handler, said Additional Commissioner of Police Pramod Kushwaha during a press briefing. Danish, known within the group as “Professor,” coordinated operations under various aliases like “Ghajwa Leader” and “CEO” to disguise their activities.
Press Conference : The Special Cell busted international and interstate terror module. pic.twitter.com/nNIM2HXVfs
— Delhi Police (@DelhiPolice) September 11, 2025
Police arrested four other key members: Aaftab Ansari and Sufiyan Abubakar Khan from Thane (Maharashtra), Kamran Qureshi from Rajgarh (Madhya Pradesh), and Huzaifa Yaman from Nizamabad (Telangana). The joint operation spanned Delhi, Maharashtra, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and involved the anti-terrorism squads and central intelligence agencies.
A large cache of materials was seized, including sulphur powder, acids, sodium bicarbonate, safety gear, circuits, firearms, cartridges, and other explosive components. Authorities emphasized that the module had not yet managed to produce explosives, and their plans were disrupted before any attacks could be carried out.
Investigations revealed the group masqueraded as an NGO to collect funds, with Danish adopting a pseudo CEO title to shield operations. Surveillance over six months tracked the movements of Aaftab and Sufiyan, culminating in their arrest at Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station, triggering a two-day crackdown.
Ashhar Danish, hailing from a middle-class family in Bokaro, Jharkhand, became radicalized in 2024 after engaging with extremist content online. He used multiple social media identities to recruit about 40 individuals in discussions focused on setting up a caliphate.
Authorities confirmed that Danish procured chemicals, copper plates for cartridges, a country-made pistol, and other materials aiming to manufacture weapons domestically. While further details about their intended targets and the land acquisition plan remain undisclosed due to the early investigation stage, police assured strict action against this terror network.
What is a “Caliphate”?
A Caliphate is a form of Islamic government led by a Caliph, who is considered the political and religious successor to the Prophet Muhammad and a leader of the entire Muslim community (Ummah). Historically, the Caliphate was both a religious and political institution that governed large territories under Islamic law (Sharia).
The most famous Caliphates in history include:
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Rashidun Caliphate (632–661 CE) – The first four rightly guided Caliphs after Prophet Muhammad’s death.
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Umayyad Caliphate (661–750 CE) – Expanded the Islamic empire across North Africa, Spain, and parts of Asia.
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Abbasid Caliphate (750–1258 CE) – Known for cultural, scientific, and economic flourishing, centered in Baghdad.
In modern times, extremist groups like ISIS have used the term “Caliphate” to justify attempts to establish a radical Islamic state governed by their interpretation of Sharia law, aiming to control land and populations.
However, this modern usage is widely condemned by mainstream Islamic scholars and the global community.
