Delhi Police Foil Terror Plot Targeting Shiv Sena Leader

13 Sep 2025

A Major Terror Plot Thwarted

In a major breakthrough for India’s counter-terror operations, the Delhi Police Special Cell has foiled a carefully planned terror conspiracy aimed at assassinating a prominent Shiv Sena leader. The foiled plot, authorities revealed, was inspired by the extremist ideology known as ‘Ghazwa-e-Hind’, which advocates violent jihad to establish a caliphate in the Indian subcontinent.

The arrests and detentions, spread across multiple states, have prevented what officials describe as “a catastrophic terror strike,” involving suicide bombings and targeted assassinations. The development underscores both the persistent threat of extremist networks and the vigilance required to secure India’s political and social fabric.

The Operation: Arrests Across States

On September 13, acting on intelligence inputs, the Delhi Police Special Cell carried out coordinated raids across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and other states.

Five suspects were arrested, all linked to radical networks preaching violent extremism.
Several more individuals were detained for questioning, as investigators probe the extent of the conspiracy.
Explosives, electronic devices, and radical literature were recovered, providing insight into the planning stage.

Police sources confirm that the conspirators were in the advanced stages of reconnaissance. One cell was tasked with tracking the movements of a Shiv Sena leader, while another worked on sourcing materials for explosives.

The Ideology: Ghazwa-e-Hind

The foiled plot is linked to the radical narrative of Ghazwa-e-Hind, a concept exploited by extremist preachers to radicalize youth. The term, derived from medieval religious references, has been twisted by terror outfits into a call for violent jihad in South Asia.

While mainstream scholars dismiss such interpretations, extremist groups have used the narrative to recruit foot soldiers, justify violence, and destabilize communities. Intelligence reports in recent years have repeatedly warned that fringe groups continue to push this ideology through encrypted messaging apps and underground networks.

Planned Methods: Suicide Bombings & Assassination

Investigators revealed chilling details:

The conspirators allegedly planned to deploy suicide bombers against both political figures and public gatherings.
A Shiv Sena leader was reportedly marked for assassination as part of a symbolic strike against what extremists call “anti-Islamic forces.”
The plan included creating chaos across multiple states, thereby amplifying fear and destabilizing public order.

The choice of targets highlights the broader strategy of extremist groups: attack political leaders, ignite communal tensions, and project a narrative of strength.

Police Statement

Praveer Ranjan, Delhi Police Commissioner, briefed the media:

“This was not just a conspiracy against an individual but an attempt to destabilize peace and harmony in India. Our teams worked around the clock to identify, track, and neutralize the threat before execution.”

He emphasized that investigations are ongoing, and more arrests are likely as agencies collaborate across states.

Political Response

Leaders across the political spectrum condemned the conspiracy:

Shiv Sena spokesperson: “This is a direct attack on democracy. Our leaders will not be cowed down by such threats. We salute the police for protecting lives and safeguarding our nation.”
Union Home Ministry officials praised the Delhi Police, calling the bust “a timely action that prevented a major tragedy.”
Opposition parties also welcomed the arrests, while urging vigilance to prevent further radicalization.

The Social Dimension: Radicalization at Grassroots

Security experts warn that India continues to face threats from radicalized youth who are lured into extremist ideologies through:

Encrypted chat apps spreading violent propaganda.
Foreign-funded networks pushing radical literature.
Local recruiters exploiting economic and social vulnerabilities.

Dr. Aftab Khan, counter-terror expert, notes:

“The Ghazwa-e-Hind narrative is particularly dangerous because it exploits religious symbolism while providing extremists with a ready-made justification for violence. Community engagement, deradicalization programs, and intelligence-led policing are critical to countering it.”

Wider Implications

The foiled plot has several wider implications for India:

Heightened Security for Leaders: Politicians, especially those from parties with strong ideological stances, may face increased threats.
Communal Harmony at Risk: Extremist plots often seek to provoke communal riots, making preventive communication essential.
Judicial Burden: The arrested suspects will face trial under anti-terror laws like the UAPA, raising debates around justice vs. security.
Need for Surveillance Balance: While intelligence agencies ramp up digital monitoring, civil liberty concerns may surface.

Citizens React

Anjali, resident of Delhi: “It’s frightening to think suicide bombers were being prepared in our own city. I’m relieved the police acted in time.”
Imran, student in Lucknow: “Extremist ideologies don’t represent us. We must work together to ensure our youth are not misled.”

India’s Counter-Terror Landscape

This case is not isolated. In recent years:

2020: Delhi Police foiled an ISIS-inspired module planning serial bombings.
2021: Uttar Pradesh ATS arrested radical operatives linked to foreign handlers.
2023: NIA cracked down on multiple modules across Kerala and Maharashtra tied to online radical networks.

The trend shows a persistent ecosystem of radical recruiters targeting vulnerable youth, often under the guise of ideology-driven missions like Ghazwa-e-Hind.

Conclusion: Eternal Vigilance

The Delhi Police’s action is a stark reminder: terror threats in India are evolving but constant. While the arrests provide temporary relief, the ideological battle is far from over.

For India to remain secure, the fight must be twofold:

Law enforcement vigilance to intercept plots before execution.
Societal resilience to counter extremist ideologies with education, inclusivity, and dialogue.

As the nation absorbs the gravity of this foiled plot, one truth stands out—vigilance, unity, and proactive policing are India’s strongest shields against terror.

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