Delhi: The Delhi Police on Friday announced the foiling of a major terror plot planned for Diwali, arresting two suspected ISIS operatives who were allegedly preparing blasts in high-footfall areas, including a popular south Delhi mall and a public park. The arrests followed coordinated operations in Delhi and Bhopal, based on specific intelligence inputs.
Suspects and evidence recovered
Both men, identified as Adnan, were apprehended after thorough surveillance and interrogation. One hails from Sadiq Nagar, Delhi, and the other from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Police recovered electronic devices, photographs of potential target sites, a video of their ISIS allegiance, and a makeshift timer device designed to trigger an improvised explosive device (IED).
According to Additional Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Pramod Kushwaha, “The arrests have averted a possible terror attack in Delhi. They had conducted recce of several crowded places where they planned to execute the strike.”
Planned attack and Diwali target
Investigators revealed that the operatives were targeting locations crowded during Diwali celebrations, intending to cause maximum casualties. Both suspects were reportedly in the final stages of preparing an IED-based attack and had been radicalised online, possibly receiving logistical support from foreign handlers.
The Bhopal-based Adnan had previously come under scrutiny after allegedly threatening an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) official on social media over the Gyanvapi mosque survey. Both suspects were reportedly undergoing training for “fidayeen” suicide-style attacks, as per news agency ANI.
ISIS-inspired module and wider probe
Police stated the arrests were part of a broader operation against an ISIS-inspired network operating across multiple states. Investigators are now probing whether the suspects had links to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) or attempted to recruit others in Delhi and Bhopal.
A senior officer told PTI that searches are ongoing at several locations linked to the duo. The interrogation continues as police trace other possible members of the network, ensuring that the threat is fully neutralised.
Conclusion
The timely arrests have prevented what could have been a devastating terror strike during the festive season. Authorities reiterated that community vigilance and intelligence coordination were key in averting the plot.