Police cite social media links and online funding discussions across multiple cities; the family of Katihar’s Sohail and others deny claims
NEW DELHI — The Delhi Police Special Cell has arrested four young men from different parts of India, alleging that they were involved in a conspiracy linked to what police described as a “Ghazwa-e-Hind” plot. The accused include Mohammad Sohail from Katihar in Bihar, Sonu and Kalam from Uttar Pradesh, Mohammad Hammad from Mumbai, and Sheikh Imran from Bhubaneswar.
Police officials said the arrests over the weekend (April 18) were made from different locations and followed an investigation into a social media group where, according to them, radical ideas were discussed. They also claimed that there were conversations about raising funds to arrange weapons and explosives.
A senior police officer said, “We have acted on credible inputs. The group was under watch for some time, and discussions on sensitive matters were noted. Timely action has helped prevent a possible threat.”
However, on the ground, the reaction in Sohail’s native village in Katihar tells a very different story. Residents expressed shock and disbelief, saying they found it hard to accept the allegations made by the police.
One resident said, “We have known Sohail since childhood. He is a simple boy who worked with his father. We cannot believe he could be involved in anything like this.”
According to police sources, Mohammad Sohail, who hails from Nawabganj Balu Tola under the Manihari police station area of Katihar, was earlier questioned by a Delhi Police team. He was taken to the local police station late at night, questioned, and later released. He was then asked to come to Delhi again, where he was eventually arrested.
Sohail’s mother, Angoori Khatoon, strongly denied any wrongdoing by her son. Speaking to reporters, she said, “My son studied till Class 10 and works as a plumber with his father. We are poor people. I do not know anything about these allegations. He has never been involved in such activities.”
Family members and locals have also raised questions about the basis of the police claims, especially regarding Sohail’s social media activity. Sources said that some posts on his profile were being seen as promoting a certain ideology.
But those who have seen his online activity argue that the posts were not unusual. They included content in Urdu, videos related to international issues such as Iran and Israel, and speeches by Pakistani scholar Dr Israr Ahmed, which are widely available online.
A relative said, “These are things many people watch or share. Just watching or sharing such content does not make someone a criminal.”
Community members have also pointed out that religious or political content found on the internet is often consumed by people out of interest or curiosity, and does not automatically indicate involvement in any unlawful activity.
Legal experts say that in such cases, it is important to distinguish between actual criminal intent and general online behaviour. One advocate, requesting anonymity, said, “The law requires clear evidence of intent and action. Mere association with online content or groups must be examined carefully before drawing conclusions.”
Meanwhile, police maintain that their investigation is ongoing and that further details will emerge as the case progresses. “We are collecting evidence and following due process,” an official said.
The arrests have once again brought attention to the challenges of dealing with online content, surveillance, and the fine line between security concerns and individual rights. For the families involved, however, the immediate concern remains the fate of their loved ones.
Sohail’s mother summed up the family’s distress, saying, “We just want justice. If he has done something wrong, let the truth come out. But if he is innocent, he should not suffer.”
As the investigation continues, the case is likely to be closely watched, with questions being raised not only about security but also about fairness, evidence, and the impact on ordinary families.
