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UP Police, ATS arrest key accused at Delhi airport in ISIS-linked module probe
Authorities say Majul, linked to a suspected ISIS-connected module, was arrested at Delhi airport on arrival from South Africa and handed to local police on April 18, 2026. The investigation traces back to a November 2025 social media video and involves multiple arrests across Uttar Pradesh and other states, with several developments in early April 2026 preceding the Delhi airport arrest.
Why It Matters
The case underscores ongoing counter-terrorism efforts to disrupt ISIS-linked networks in India and prevent recruitment and coordinated actions by suspected operatives.
Timeline
6 Events
Two accused arrested by Bijnor Police; Meerut arrests and Nepal flight warning
UNKNOWN
Two accused — Owaid Malik and Jalal Haider alias Sameer Jafri — were earlier arrested by Bijnor Police. Investigators said some associates were arrested in Meerut, and Azad advised Malik to flee to Nepal, indicating a broader network.
FIR registered against Majul, Aqib, Azad and others
UNKNOWN
Following the video, an FIR was registered at Nangal police station under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Arms Act and the IT Act against Majul, Aqib, Azad, Owaid Malik and others.
Majul arrested at Delhi airport and handed to police
April 18, 2026
Majul, a resident of Sauftpur village under Nangal police station in Bijnor, was detained by airport authorities on arrival from South Africa and handed over to local police on April 18, 2026, as part of the ISIS-linked module probe.
Sameer alias Ruhan held in connection with the case
April 15, 2026
Another accused, Sameer alias Ruhan, was held on April 15, 2026 for alleged links with the group through Telegram.
ATS operation arrests four suspected operatives
April 3, 2026
In an operation on April 3, 2026, four suspected operatives — Saqib alias Devil, Arbaab, Vikas Gehlawat alias Raunak, and Lokesh alias Papla Pandit — were arrested for allegedly planning arson attacks on railway infrastructure and conducting reconnaissance of key installations across multiple cities.
Video surfaces showing youths with firearms linked to Majul
November 23, 2025
A video surfaced on social media on November 23, 2025 showing youths allegedly displaying firearms during an Instagram Live session. The video, reportedly uploaded from an account operated by Majul, featured Aqib brandishing weapons and delivering provocative content.