Gorakhnath temple attack: UP ATS intensifies probe; calls accused's father for questioning

Intensifying its probe into Gorakhnath temple attack, Uttar Presh Anti-Terrorism Squ (ATS) summoned accused Ahm Abbasi's far Munir Abbasi for questioning. As per sources, investigators are likely to cross-verify facts that have emerged during course of investigation. In aftermath of attack, Munir Abbasi h told ANI, “He (my son) is t mentally stable. Since childhood, he is suffering from depression. He also received medical treatment. Due to some developments, he believed that police were after him. He h planning and did this due to his current mental state".

Earlier on Thursday, Republic TV has exclusively accessed a video of Ahm Abbasi in which he is talking about motivation behind attack. In video, he was heard saying, "I was thinking about a lot of things to justify ( attack). I thought that NRC (National Register of Citizens) is happening. That is wrong. Before anyone does anything y need to justify it. I was thinking a lot of things...what's happening in Karnataka (referring to Hijab row)". Meanwhile, UP ATS also arrested Abbasi's aide Abdul Rehman from Saharanpur. As per sources, assailant also tried to brainwash Muslim youth. 

Gorakhnath temple attack

On evening of April 3, 30-year-old IIT gruate Ahm Murtaza Abbasi tried to forcibly enter premises of Gorakhnath temple. When security personnel tried to stop him, he attacked m with a sickle, injuring two constables of Provincial Armed Constabulary. After being arrested, sickle and a knife were seized from his possession. A joint team of Special Task Force and ATS is probing case and trying to ascertain wher Abbasi h any links with any terrorist organization.

It is pertinent to te that UP CM Yogi ityanath is he priest of Gorakhnath temple. Meanwhile, ityanath has anunced a cash reward of Rs. 5 lakh for two jawans and constable Anurag Rajput for foiling attack. Following Gorakhnath temple attack, security was beefed up at sensitive religious places in Uttar Presh including Shri Krishna Janmasthan temple complex.