Two youths from Delhi and Bhopal were arrested for joining ISIS and conspiring to carry out a terrorist attack on Diwali. Both had sworn allegiance to ISIS while in contact with their Syrian handlers.
New Delhi. A major terrorist attack was averted during the festival of lights, Diwali, in the Indian capital Delhi. The investigating agencies have arrested two youths who were allegedly in contact with ISIS (Islamic State). The surprising thing is that both the accused come from educated and middle class families. These are not common criminals, but such youth who took the path of terrorism through social media and took the oath of “Bayah” i.e. loyalty to the Caliph of ISIS.
Which terrorist was from where?
Mohammad Adnan Khan alias Abu Muharib (19), resident of Sadiq Nagar, Delhi, and Adnan Khan alias Abu Mohammad (20), resident of Bhopal, were in contact with Syria-based ISIS handler Abu Ibrahim al-Qureshi. Investigation revealed that both the youth not only spread ISIS propaganda online but also conspired to carry out a major terrorist attack on Diwali in Delhi. According to the police, the plan of both of them was to explode bombs in crowded malls and parks.
The accused are seen taking the oath of allegiance to ISIS in the pictures.
According to Times Now, it has exclusive photographs in which the accused are seen taking the oath of allegiance to ISIS. This is the same “Bayah video” which he sent to his terrorist handler in Syria. The investigating agencies have claimed that both the accused had become quite radicalized and were trying to trap new youth in India through online jihadi groups.
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Due to the swift action of Delhi Police, a possible major attack on Diwali was averted, but this case raises many serious questions – after all, how is social media and online radicalization taking educated youth on the path of terrorism? Is ISIS trying to spread its roots again in India?
Who are Abu Muharib and Abu Mohammad – how did these youth of Delhi and Bhopal reach ISIS?
Both the accused were from normal families. One was the son of a Doordarshan driver and the other was the son of an accountant. They became friends through social media and from there the path of terrorism started. Online jihadi videos and chat groups completely radicalized both of them.
Why was the attack planned in Delhi on Diwali?
Investigators say ISIS had planned to carry out a “symbolic attack” in India to create an atmosphere of fear amid the festivals. The target of the attack was crowded places, due to which more damage could be caused.
Is ISIS network becoming active again in India?
In recent months, cases have come to light from many states where youth were seduced through online radical content. This case shows that ISIS’s digital network is still active in India, especially on platforms like Telegram, Instagram and YouTube.
Is this not the first time that the Bhopal and Delhi connection has come to light?
Last year also, two youths with ISIS links were arrested from Bhopal. Now the same pattern is visible again – terrorist modules are being prepared through digital connections between Madhya Pradesh and Delhi.