Saquib Nachan, a terror accused with established links to the global terrorist group Islamic State (ISIS), passed away at Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital, according to official sources on Saturday. Nachan had been in judicial custody at Tihar Jail since 2023 and was admitted to the hospital a few days ago due to declining health.
Nachan had previously been convicted for his role in the 2002 and 2003 Mumbai bomb blasts, which had rocked the city and left dozens injured. He was considered a habitual terror offender by Indian security agencies.
According to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Nachan also operated as the self-styled Amir-e-Hind for ISIS in India, playing a central role in recruitment, radicalisation, and terror planning for the banned outfit.
In June 2024, the NIA filed a chargesheet against Nachan and 16 other ISIS operatives in connection with the Delhi-Padgha ISIS terror module case. The group was accused of recruiting and radicalising youth, raising funds, and fabricating Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to carry out attacks across India.
The NIA charged the accused under multiple laws, including the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UA(P)A), Arms Act, and Explosive Substances Act. The chargesheet detailed a widespread conspiracy to promote ISIS ideology, undermine India’s secular and democratic fabric, and spread terror and violence through a coordinated network.
Investigations had revealed the seizure of incriminating material, including manuals on IED-making, digital files, and ISIS propaganda publications like Voice of Hind, Rumiyah, Dabiq, and Khilafat. Nachan and his associates were also reportedly involved in raising funds, recruiting vulnerable youth, and preparing for potential terrorist attacks.
His death marks the end of a long-tracked figure in India’s fight against international terrorism, but agencies are likely to continue pursuing deeper leads uncovered in the Delhi-Padgha ISIS module case.