Delhi Police dismantle ISIS module, 2 arrested; major tragedy averted

In a major counter-terrorism operation, the Delhi Police Special Cell has arrested two operatives of the ISIS terrorist group, thwarting their plans to carry out terror attacks in crowded areas of the national capital during the ongoing festive season.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Md Adnan Khan (20), a resident of Sadiq Nagar, Delhi; and Adnan Khan (21), from Karond, Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh.

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The interstate module was allegedly in direct contact with a Syria-based ISIS handler, identified as Abu Ibrahim al-Qureshi, using the social media app Instagram for coordination.

According to Pramod Kushwaha, Additional CP, Special Cell, the module had initially been tasked with online propaganda and recruitment.

“They managed multiple social media channels on platforms like Instagram and YouTube, where they circulated edited jihadi videos to radicalize and recruit vulnerable youth. One of the accused from Bhopal had previously been arrested by the UP Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in 2024 for threatening an Additional Session Judge involved in the Gyanvapi Mosque case and was out on bail,” Mr Kushwaha told UNI.

Investigations revealed that the group had recently shifted from propaganda to active operational planning. Under instructions from their foreign handler, they had begun procuring materials to fabricate Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The suspects had also conducted reconnaissance of potential targets, including a South Delhi mall and a public park—locations with high footfalls.

A series of coordinated raids were conducted in Delhi and Bhopal on October 16 and 18. During searches, incriminating evidence was recovered, including an ISIS flag, a laptop, pen drives, hard disks, mobile phones containing jihadist material, and a timer clock intended for use in an IED.

A critical recovery was a video showing Adnan Khan from Delhi taking the ‘Bay’at’ (pledge of allegiance) to the current ISIS Caliph, Abu Hafs al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, while dressed in ISIS attire.

Kushwaha said the timely intervention by the police, in coordination with central intelligence agencies, prevented a “major terror act.” He confirmed that the suspects were in the initial stages of executing their plan for a “big explosion” during Deepawali. The police are now working with international agencies to investigate the foreign-based handler.