ISIS Terror Plot to Attack South Delhi Mall on Diwali Disrupted by Police

Delhi Police announced on Friday that they had disrupted a major terror conspiracy aimed at striking the national capital during Diwali. Two suspected ISIS operatives were arrested for allegedly plotting explosions at high-footfall locations, including a popular mall in South Delhi and a public park.

Terror Attack Planned for Diwali

Officials revealed that both arrested individuals, coincidentally named Adnan, were captured after coordinated operations in Delhi and Bhopal. One suspect hails from Sadiq Nagar in Delhi, while the other belongs to Madhya Pradesh's capital city.

"The arrests have averted a possible terror attack in Delhi," said Pramod Kushwaha, Additional Commissioner of Police (Special Cell), during a press briefing. "They had conducted recce of several crowded places, including a mall in south Delhi and a park, where they planned to execute the strike."

Investigators believe the accused intended to strike when festive gatherings were at their peak, aiming to cause large-scale casualties. Police also recovered a video showing the suspects pledging allegiance to ISIS and photographs of potential target areas.
A watch modified into a timer for an explosive device was found, along with images of shops from which they planned to source IED components.

Arrests Made After Coordinated Raids

The Delhi-based suspect was the first to be taken into custody on October 16 from Sadiq Nagar. Based on information obtained from his interrogation, the second Adnan was later detained in Bhopal.

Authorities stated that the Bhopal resident had previously come under surveillance after allegedly threatening an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) official online regarding the Gyanvapi mosque survey.

ISIS-Inspired Module Uncovered

According to police, these arrests are part of a wider crackdown on an ISIS-inspired module operating across multiple Indian states. Both suspects were reportedly being trained for "fidayeen" or suicide-style attacks, as reported by ANI.

Electronic devices and other incriminating materials seized from their possession indicate that the duo was in touch with foreign handlers. Police believe they were in the final phase of preparing an IED-based terror attack.

A senior officer told PTI that the entire operation was conducted on the basis of concrete intelligence inputs, with teams led by Additional Commissioner Pramod Kushwaha and ACP Lalit Mohan Negi.

Investigation into Possible International Links

The investigation has now expanded to explore whether the suspects had any connections with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). "We are investigating the wider network and their possible international connections," said a police source.

Authorities suspect both men were radicalised online and may have received guidance and logistical aid from handlers abroad. Investigators are also examining whether the duo tried to recruit more individuals in Delhi or Bhopal.

Officials emphasised that the arrests had successfully averted a potential large-scale tragedy during Diwali festivities. "The preliminary investigation shows they were preparing for a major attack. Their plans were at an advanced stage," said an official.

The two suspects remain in custody as police continue interrogations to trace any remaining members of their network. Searches are ongoing at several locations linked to the accused, sources added.