New Delhi: The two ISIS-linked operatives arrested earlier this week had allegedly planned to carry out a bomb attack at a crowded South Delhi mall during Diwali, police officials revealed on Thursday. The plot, aimed at causing mass casualties during the festive rush, was uncovered after Delhi Police’s Special Cell recovered detailed reconnaissance material, a timer device, and an allegiance video from the accused.
According to investigators, the duo — identified as Adnan Khan from Delhi and another Adnan from Bhopal — had scouted multiple locations across the national capital, including a major South Delhi shopping mall and a popular public park, as possible targets. “Their plan was to execute an IED blast at the mall during Diwali, when footfall would be maximum,” a senior police officer said.
The suspects had recorded a “bayat” or oath of allegiance to the Islamic State and were preparing for a “fidayeen” or suicide-style strike, police sources added. A makeshift timer device, fashioned out of a wristwatch, was found during searches, along with photographs of target areas and notes on how to assemble an explosive using locally available materials.
The revelation comes days after both men were arrested in coordinated operations in Delhi and Madhya Pradesh, following intelligence inputs about a new ISIS-inspired module operating across multiple states. Delhi Police said the arrests prevented what could have been a major terror attack during one of the busiest festive weeks of the year.
Investigators believe the duo were being remotely guided by handlers linked to ISIS’s foreign network and had been undergoing online indoctrination and operational training. The possibility of links with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is also under probe.
“Their preparation had reached an advanced stage. They had conducted recce, collected material and made a dry run video for their handler,” an officer said, adding that efforts are underway to trace others who may have been part of the conspiracy.
The Delhi Police have intensified security across major shopping centres, markets and places of worship in the capital ahead of Diwali. The agency has urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity as the investigation into the foiled ISIS plot continues.
