A special NIA court on Monday handed death sentence to a man, Murtaza Abbasi, for attacking security personnel at the famous Gorakhnath temple in Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur. Ahmed MurtazaAbbasi, an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) graduate, was convicted by the court on Saturday.

Abbasi attacked the security personnel deployed at the premises with a sickle. Two Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) constables were injured in the incident. He was overpowered by the security personnel and arrested. The Uttar Pradesh ATS had carried out the investigation in connection with the incident.

Prashant Kumar, additional director general of police (ADG-Law and Order), had said there could be a terror angle behind the incident. The Uttar Pradesh Home Department had also termed the incident as a part of a deep conspiracy and could be said it was a terror incident.

Prashant said Abbasi was in touch with the fighters and sympathisers of the terror outfit Islamic State.

Police said the accused intended to carry out a big operation after snatching weapons from the security personnel.

"He conducted a lone wolf fatal attack at the southern gate of Gorakhnath temple and attempted to snatch the rifle of security officials on duty. His intention was to conduct a big operation after snatching the weapon," ANI had quoted Kumar as saying.

During investigation, police said Abbasi sent around Rs 8.5 lakh to support ISIS terror activities via organisations related to ISIS supporters in different countries in Europe and America. "He sent various arms - AK47, M4 carbine and other missile technology, via internet," Kumar had said.

The accused, Abbasi, is said to have graduated from the prestigious IIT (Indian Institute of Technology), Bombay in 2015. He is the only son and his father, Munir, is a legal advisor, said the police.

Image source: gorakhpur.nic.in