IS man plotting attack on Indian leader held: Russia

FSB says the suspect had received training in Turkey

An Islamic State member from Central Asia who was planning a suicide attack in India has been detained, the Federal Security Service of Russia said in a statement on Monday. The FSB said the person had travelled to Turkey where he received instructions and training to carry out “a terrorist act by self-detonation against one of the representatives of the ruling circles of India”.

“It has been established that a foreigner in the period from April to June 2022, while on the territory of the Republic of Turkey, was recruited by one of the leaders of the International Terrorist Organisation — ‘IS’ — as a suicide bomber. His indoctrination was carried out remotely through the accounts of the Telegram messenger and during personal meetings in Istanbul by a representative of the terrorist organisation,” a Russian press release said.

The security officials in Moscow released a video which showed the suspect laying out the alleged plans in Russian. It is understood that the suspect had taken an oath of allegiance to the Amir of IS, Abu al-Hasan al-Hashemi al-Qureishi, who is known to be the self-proclaimed leader of the terror outfit.

Monday’s announcement from Moscow came months after suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma made certain remarks about the Prophet that were found to be derogatory.

Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) had threatened to target India over the controversy. Moscow’s press release has not named any specific Indian leader that the IS member was planning to attack, but the Russian side said he was detained before he could fly to India “to commit a high-profile terrorist act”.

Controversial remarks

The FSB noted that the would-be suicide bomber was instructed to leave for Russia, draw up the necessary documents and fly to India to commit this act of terrorism, the report said.

Ms. Sharma was suspended and the party’s Delhi media head, Naveen Kumar Jindal, was expelled by the BJP after their controversial remarks against the Prophet that sparked protests in the Muslim world early this year.

The IS and all its affiliate organisations, responsible for a series of savage attacks and killings in Iraq and Syria, have been banned in India under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Recruitment of youth to the outfit from India and their radicalisation are a matter of serious concern for the country, especially with regard to their likely impact on national security.

(With PTI inputs)