New Delhi, Nov 12: In a major counterterror breakthrough, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested 15 individuals and detained three others in connection with the so-called “Doctor Terror Module” allegedly working for Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). The module is suspected to be behind the deadly Red Fort car explosion that rocked Delhi on November 10 at 6:52 pm.
According to officials, the arrests followed a nationwide crackdown after investigators traced the module’s links to a poster carrying threats to security forces found in Srinagar’s Nowgam area on October 19. Early arrests included Maulvi Irfan Ahmed Wagh from Shopian and Zamir Ahmed from Wakura, Ganderbal, between October 20 and 27.
The probe soon expanded beyond Jammu and Kashmir, with Doctor Adil arrested from Saharanpur on November 5, followed by a seizure of an AK-47 rifle and ammunition from Anantnag Hospital on November 7. Subsequent raids at Al Falah University in Faridabad on November 8 uncovered more rifles, pistols, and explosives. Doctor Muzammil was later arrested, and another suspect, Madrasi of Dhoj, Faridabad, was held on November 9.
A massive breakthrough came a day before the Red Fort blast when investigators recovered 2,563 kg of explosives from the residence of Hafiz Mohammad Ishtiyaq, an Imam at Al Falah Masjid in Faridabad’s Dhera Colony. Additional raids yielded another 358 kg of explosive materials, detonators, and timers, taking the total seizure to nearly 3,000 kg.
Sources revealed that Dr. Umar Mohammad, an employee of Al Falah University, had gone underground before the blast. Investigators now suspect he was the suicide bomber who detonated the car near Red Fort, as an amputated hand found at the site is believed to be his. DNA tests using samples from his mother are underway to confirm his identity.
Dr. Umar is alleged to have radicalized students at Al Falah University, which served as the group’s operational hub. His associate, Dr. Muzamil Shakil, has also been arrested. The car used in the explosion was registered to Dr. Shaheen Shahid, arrested from Lucknow, who police say was commanding JeM’s India operations. She reportedly confessed to stockpiling explosives over two years and conspiring with fellow doctors to orchestrate a major terror attack.
CCTV footage indicates Dr. Umar was driving the explosive-laden vehicle. Forensic tests show that the materials used in the Red Fort blast match those recovered in Faridabad. Investigators are probing whether the explosion was a deliberate strike or an accidental detonation triggered as Umar fled.
The vehicle was reportedly parked at Al Falah Medical College in Dhauj, Faridabad, for 11 days before being driven to Delhi on November 10. The case was officially transferred to the NIA on November 11 for an in-depth probe into the module’s funding, command structure, and cross-border terror links. (Agencies)
