Were Two Suspects Behind IS Terror Bid Foiled?
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Synopsis
In a significant development, two suspected IS operatives have been detained for plotting a bombing in Delhi. The court has granted police custody for further investigation, highlighting the alarming rise of terror activities during festive times.
Key Takeaways
- Two suspects arrested for IS terror plot.
- Police custody extended for further interrogation.
- Evidence includes radical videos and manuals for explosives.
- Suspects linked to a Syria-based IS handler.
- Threat level increases during festive seasons.
New Delhi, Oct 24 (NationPress) Two individuals suspected of being operatives for IS, who were apprehended prior to executing a bomb plot in Delhi, were ordered on Friday by a city court to remain in police custody for three additional days, extending until October 27, according to an official.
Md. Adnan Khan, also known as Abu Muharib, 19, hailing from Sadiq Nagar in south Delhi, and Adnan Khan, referred to as Abu Mohammad, 20, from Karond, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, were detained on October 16 and 18, respectively.
On Friday, the Delhi court granted a request to hold the two in police custody to facilitate questioning regarding the information retrieved from their mobile devices and pen drives that were confiscated during their arrest.
The Delhi Police, represented by the public prosecutor, had requested a four-day extension of the suspects' custody, but the court at the Patiala House complex granted only a three-day extension.
While pursuing their custody, the police informed the court that the devices seized from the suspects were sent for forensic examination, and they intended to interrogate them about their social media activities.
The police also noted to the court that they still needed to interrogate other suspects linked to the thwarted terror attempt in the national capital.
Both suspects allegedly held communications with an IS handler based in Syria, identified as Abu Ibrahim al-Qureshi, as per police reports.
The defence attorney highlighted to the court that they had not yet received a copy of the first information report (FIR).
Pramod Singh Kushwah, Additional Commissioner of Police for the Special Cell, indicated that this inter-state IS network was actively disseminating jihadi videos on social media and had reached an advanced level of planning attacks at crowded venues in Delhi during the festive season.
They had begun acquiring components for improvised explosive devices (IEDs), he stated.
Following their arrest, the Delhi Police recovered a pen drive containing a video of Md. Adnan, in Delhi, pledging allegiance while dressed in IS attire (black clothing and scarf), an IS flag, mobile phones with radical videos and related materials, hard drives, and a laptop.
Prior surveillance indicated that Md. Adnan (from Delhi) and Adnan Khan (from Bhopal) were active on various social platforms, using them to propagate extremist content, recruit followers, and coordinate actions, as reported by the police.
During a search of Md. Adnan’s residence in Delhi, investigators obtained three mobile phones containing incriminating IS materials, images, and manuals detailing “remote detonation systems,” instructions for creating “plastic bombs” and “Molotov cocktails,” a pen drive, hard drives, an IS flag, clothing worn during the allegiance pledge, and a timer clock intended for IED use.
The suspect from Bhopal had been previously arrested by Uttar Pradesh's Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. After securing bail in 2024, he resumed activities related to terrorism, primarily through online recruitment and dissemination of propaganda. In June 2024, he was apprehended by UP ATS for threatening an Additional Session Judge concerning the videographic survey of Gyanvapi.
The police reported that Md. Adnan from Delhi confessed to taking the “Bay’ah” (pledge of allegiance) to the current IS Caliph, Abu Hafs al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, via a handler in Syria.
“The Bay’ah was captured on video while the suspect was dressed in IS attire,” the police stated.
Investigators revealed that the Bhopal-based suspect routinely sent radical jihadi videos and directed Md. Adnan in Delhi to edit and distribute them.
Point of View
It is crucial to remain vigilant against the threats posed by extremist groups. The ongoing investigations highlight the persistent efforts of law enforcement to thwart potential attacks, reminding us of the need for collective vigilance and proactive measures to ensure public safety.
NationPress
24/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges do the suspects face?
The suspects are facing charges related to terrorism and conspiracy to commit acts of violence.
What evidence was found with the suspects?
Authorities recovered incriminating materials, including radical videos, manuals for making explosives, and communication devices.
How were the suspects linked to ISIS?
The suspects allegedly communicated with an IS handler based in Syria, indicating their involvement in the extremist network.
What is the significance of the Bay'ah?
The Bay'ah signifies a pledge of allegiance to the IS Caliph, which is a critical aspect of their recruitment and indoctrination process.
Why is this case important?
This case underscores the ongoing threat of terrorism in urban centers and the need for heightened security measures, especially during festive periods.
