Gorakhnath temple attacker was honey-trapped into aiding Islamic State

A new twist has come up in the Gorakhnath temple attack case after the Uttar Pradesh Police’s anti-terrorist squad uncovered a honey-trap angle.

The Gorakhnath temple attacker, Ahmed Murtaza Abbasi, was allegedly honey-trapped by the Islamic State. According to police sources, Abbasi had first received a mail, presumably from a woman.

The woman, who said that she was trapped in an IS camp, sent her photo to Abbasi and sought help. Abbasi even sent Rs 40,000 to help her. The woman then promised to meet him in India.

As he continued with the e-mail exchange, Abbasi had prepared to join IS. Abbasi had sent money to the woman thrice.

Abbasi, an IIT graduate, on April 3 attacked Uttar Pradesh Provincial Armed Constabulary personnel stationed at the Gorakhnath temple in Gorakhpur.

Two constables were injured in the attack. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is the head priest or mahant of the Gorakhnath temple.

Abbasi, in his confession, said that his hatred spawned from alleged atrocities committed against Muslims, according to Uttar Pradesh Police. He further said that the Citizenship (Amendment) Act was also wrong.

Source: India Today