Delhi Police has arrested a 22-year-old youth from Bhubaneswar over alleged links with a radical online network, following a coordinated investigation that tracked digital activity across several social media platforms.
A digital trail across social media
The accused, identified as Sheik Imran, was apprehended from the Unit VI area of Bhubaneswar with the assistance of local police. According to officials, the arrest followed inputs developed during an ongoing investigation by the Special Cell of Delhi Police into online radicalisation networks operating through encrypted and closed social media groups.
Police stated that Imran was allegedly active in restricted online communities and had been sharing content considered sensitive and linked to ideological radicalisation. Investigators said his digital footprint included activity on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Signal, where closed groups were being used to circulate targeted material.
Officials further stated that the case came to light after earlier arrests in the national capital led investigators to examine the online connections of several individuals. During this analysis, digital trails reportedly pointed towards Odisha, prompting coordinated action between Delhi Police and Bhubaneswar Police.
Acting on the inputs, a team apprehended the accused from his residence area. He was subsequently produced before the Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM) Court in Bhubaneswar and taken on transit remand for further questioning in Delhi.
Investigators suspect a layered online network on private platforms
According to preliminary findings shared by investigators, the network under scrutiny is believed to function in a structured manner, where new members are gradually introduced into closed groups and assigned tasks based on risk levels. Officials stated that initial engagement often involves low-level online activities such as messaging, content sharing, and coordination within private groups, which may later escalate depending on involvement.
The ongoing probe is also examining whether the accused had any direct operational role or was merely a participant in online discussions. Police have emphasized that the authenticity of digital material, group affiliations, and communication patterns are being verified as part of the investigation.
Authorities noted that such cases often require detailed forensic analysis of electronic devices, chat records, and metadata to establish the nature of involvement. The investigation is currently focused on mapping the broader network structure and identifying other individuals connected through similar online channels.
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From Instagram to Signal is now under intense forensic scrutiny
Officials also said that multiple social media platforms have been used in recent cases involving radical content dissemination, making cross-platform tracking an essential part of modern cyber and counter-terror investigations.
The arrest is part of a wider series of actions where law enforcement agencies have intensified monitoring of closed online groups suspected of promoting extremist narratives. Investigators believe that such networks often operate in layers, using private groups and encrypted messaging services to avoid detection.
Police sources added that further interrogation of the accused will focus on identifying administrators of the groups, the origin of the content being circulated, and possible links to other individuals within and outside the state.
Meanwhile, digital forensic teams are expected to examine seized devices and communication logs to reconstruct the accused’s online activity timeline. Officials said this will help determine the extent of participation and any potential coordination with other members.
The case remains under active investigation, and authorities have not ruled out further arrests as the probe expands across multiple states and digital platforms.
