Two ISIS terrorists caught planning suicide bombing in Delhi on Diwali

NEW DELHI: Two ISIS terrorists were arrested for planning a suicide bombing on Diwali day at a crowded mall and public park in Delhi. Explosive materials, guns, ammunition, and propaganda leaflets were seized from them. A wristwatch bought to set the timer for the bomb was also recovered. Acting on a tip-off from intelligence agencies, the Delhi Police Special Cell made the arrests. Both suspects, named Adnan Khan, are residents of Delhi and Bhopal.

The 20-year-old Delhi native Adnan Khan was arrested from Sadiq Nagar on October 16. The second suspect, aged 21, was captured in a special operation in Bhopal with help from the Madhya Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad. Police said crucial information surfaced when both were interrogated separately and together.

The two had planned to carry out suicide attacks on October 20- Diwali day- at a mall and public park in South Delhi. The police added that they had intensified efforts to track down other members of the group.

Links to Pakistan

1. Delhi Police said both suspects had connections with ISIS networks in Pakistan and had received support from them.
2. They were regularly in touch with an ISIS leader based along the Syria–Turkey border. Both had received training for suicide missions.

Drawn to ISIS through radical ideas
The Bhopal-based Adnan Khan had wanted to become a chartered accountant and was preparing for exams. During this time, he became active in extremist WhatsApp groups and watched videos promoting ISIS ideology. He had earlier been arrested for posting threatening messages on social media against a Civil Court judge who allowed the Archaeological Survey at the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi. The Delhi-based Adnan Khan holds an IT diploma.