LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh police and the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) have released shocking information about Murtaza Abbasi, the accused who attacked two policemen at the Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur, on Sunday evening. According to the police, the accused has links with the terrorist organization ISIS and has transferred money from his bank account to the ISIS’ account. He is currently being questioned by the ATS. Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, is the abbot of the Gorakhnath Math associated with the temple.

He had shifted to terrorism after his visit to Saudi Arabia in 2016. During 2017-2018, he repeatedly tried to cross into Syria to join the ISIS. However, his efforts failed. He also has connection with some Malayalees who have ISIS links and had plans to go to Syria using their assistance, said the police.

The ATS also suspects that Murtaza's name is among 16 ISIS suspects listed by central agencies. The attack on the temple was motivated by a desire for martyrdom. Two security guards at the front of the temple were injured in the attack.

Ahmed Murtaza is an IIT Bombay graduate. He regularly read articles related to ISIS online. The laptop and other equipment seized from him have been sent for forensic examination. More information would be gathered from it, said state ADGP Prashanth Kumar.

Murtaza was a brilliant student who had passed all the exams in the IIT in his first attempt itself. He likes to be alone and is a member of a reputed family. His grandfather was Uttar Pradesh’s collector during the British rule. He had worked as a software expert in a company. He has even developed a mobile app.

There are some differences within the family regarding Murtaza’s character. His father said that he had suicidal tendency and was an introvert. There was an oppressive atmosphere in the family. He leaves home at six in the morning and returns only at seven in the evening. He did not talk much and was very religious. He would not enter the room only after 11 pm, said his wife.