From Digital Radicalization to Terror Plot: How Two Young Men Became ISIS Operatives in Delhi

The two suspects were apprehended in a preventative operation that likely prevented a major tragedy.

New Delhi:

They appeared to be ordinary young, educated men living normal lives. However, behind their digital devices, these two individuals were gradually pulled into ISIS's online propaganda network, eventually transforming their online radicalization into an alleged plot to attack Delhi during Diwali celebrations.

The suspects – 19-year-old Md Adnan Khan (alias Abu Muharib) from Delhi's Sadiq Nagar and 20-year-old Adnan Khan (alias Abu Mohammad) from Bhopal – were detained in a preemptive security operation that authorities believe prevented a potentially catastrophic incident.

Officials described the pair as "highly radicalized" individuals who had allegedly sworn loyalty to the Islamic State and were operating under instructions from a handler based near the Syria-Turkey border.

According to security investigators, the men had received orders to execute a terrorist attack in a crowded Delhi location during Diwali festivities, with specific targets including a prominent shopping mall and a public park.

Mohammad was raised in a middle-class household in Bhopal. His father, Salam Khan, works as an accountant for private companies, while his mother has performed minor acting roles in local productions. Additional Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Pramod Singh Kushwah explained that Mohammad attended a madrasa between ages 6 and 10, which investigators believe contributed to his radicalization and entry into terrorism.

After completing his secondary education, Mohammad began preparing for chartered accountancy examinations. However, investigators report that behind this seemingly normal routine, he spent extensive time online consuming jihadi content and ISIS propaganda videos. His radicalization reportedly began during his madrasa years and intensified after 2020 as he engaged with extremist materials.

In June 2024, Mohammad first encountered legal trouble when the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad arrested him for threatening a judge connected to the Gyanvapi Mosque case via social media. He was charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act but was released on bail after several months when lesser charges were filed.

Shortly after his release, he reportedly resumed consuming extremist content with greater involvement. He connected with Muharib from Delhi, and together they began operating Instagram channels and YouTube pages disseminating ISIS propaganda and attempting to recruit others. Their coordination with Syria-based handler Abu Ibrahim al-Qureshi marked their transition from ideological support to operational planning.

Muharib lived what appeared to be a conventional life. His father, Salim Khan, works as a driver for Doordarshan, and his mother, Anjum Khan, is a homemaker. Police stated that the family resides in government housing in Sadiq Nagar.

The youngest of four siblings, Muharib had completed tenth grade in his hometown of Etah, Uttar Pradesh, before relocating to Delhi in 2022 following his father's job transfer.

Still a teenager, Muharib enrolled in a Diploma in Data Information Technology program after struggling with traditional academic studies. Investigators believe what began as time spent learning editing tools gradually evolved into dangerous radicalization. Security officials report that social media platforms and encrypted chat groups significantly altered his worldview.

By 2024, he had joined multiple online groups sharing extremist videos and messages. Approximately eight months before his arrest, Muharib established contact with Mohammad, who shared ISIS propaganda and taught him how to edit and distribute such content.

Under digital guidance from Abu Ibrahim al-Qureshi, he began producing and posting short videos glorifying ISIS ideology.

Police reported that he subsequently recorded his Bay'ah (pledge of allegiance) to the ISIS Caliph while dressed in black attire and transmitted the video to his foreign handler al-Qureshi.

"Both suspects maintained constant communication and met multiple times in Delhi to finalize their plans," stated the Additional CP, noting that prompt police intervention prevented what could have been a devastating attack during Diwali celebrations.