Gorakhnath Temple Attack: Police says accused Murtaza Abbasi took ISIS oath in 2020

The Uttar Pradesh Police said that Ahmad Murtaza Abbasi, arrested in connection with attack on security personnel stationed at Gorakhnath temple, had taken oath to fight for ISIS in 2020.

The interrogation of Ahmad Murtaza Abbasi, arrested in connection with attack on security personnel stationed at UP’s Gorakhnath temple, has revealed the accused’s connection to the militant organisation Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). According to UP Additional director general of police (Law and Order), Murtaza Abbasi had taken the oath of fighting for ISIS and was providing financial assistance to supporters of the militant organisation.

Murtaza took an oath to fight for the terrorist organization ISIS in the year 2020, the Uttar Pradesh Police said.

The police added that Murtaza Abbasi was also in touch with ISIS terrorist and propaganda activist Mehndi Masood through social media. Mehndi Masood was arrested by Bangalore Police in 2014.

Through social media, Murtaza was constantly in touch with the fighters and supporters of ISIS abroad, the UP police said.

During interrogation, Murtaza revealed that he had read articles on the internet about many weapons including AK-47, 5-4 carbine. Murtaza allegedly practiced at home with an air rifle, in hopes of carrying an attack if he could get his hands on the weapon.

A man attacked Uttar Pradesh Provincial Armed Constabulary personnel stationed at the Gorakhnath temple in Gorakhpur on Sunday night. The man, identified as Ahmad Murtaza Abbasi, a chemical engineer, was arrested after a brief chase.

In a video that is being widely shared, Abbasi can be seen chasing cops with a sickle while the policemen and passersby lob bricks at him to defend themselves.