Accused Held by Delhi Police Special Cell
In a major development, the Special Cell of Delhi Police has arrested a 22-year-old boy from Bhubaneswar on charges of promoting anti-national and extremist content through social media platforms.
The accused, identified as Sheikh Imran alias S.K. Imran, was reportedly residing in Unit-6, Ganganagar area of the city.
Produced in Court, Taken on Transit Remand
Following his arrest, Imran was produced before the SDJM court in Bhubaneswar. The court granted transit remand, allowing Delhi Police to take him to the national capital for further investigation.
Officials revealed that Imran had discontinued his studies after failing Class 10 and was unemployed. He had previously worked in door-to-door food delivery in Bhubaneswar.
Alleged Links with International Radical Groups
According to Commissionerate Police sources, the accused was not only sharing provocative and anti-national posts online but was also allegedly in direct contact with international extremist groups.
Investigators suspect that he was receiving illegal funds in exchange for spreading inflammatory and anti-national content on social media platforms.
Paid to Spread Provocative Content Online
Preliminary findings suggest that Imran was being regularly paid for posting content aimed at inciting unrest and influencing youth. He reportedly used platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp to circulate such material and mislead young users.
Family members were reportedly unaware of his involvement in such activities, which were carried out discreetly through mobile communication.
Investigation Linked to Delhi Explosion Case
The case is said to have originated from a probe into a blast incident near Red Fort metro area in November last year. During interrogation of suspects in that case, investigators discovered links pointing towards Odisha.
Subsequent investigation revealed Imran’s alleged role in online radical activities, prompting a dedicated probe by the Delhi Police team in Odisha over the past month.
Joint Operation Leads to Arrest
After sustained surveillance and investigation, the Delhi Police, with assistance from local Commissionerate Police, successfully apprehended the acussed on Friday. Further interrogation is underway to uncover the full extent of his network and activities.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the scale of the operation and any possible links to larger extremist networks.