KANPUR, Nov 13: The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has detained a medical student from Kanpur in connection with the ongoing investigation into the recent Delhi blast, officials said on Thursday.
The detainee, Dr. Mohammad Arif (32), a first-year MD (Cardiology) student at Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Memorial (GSVM) Medical College, was picked up from an undisclosed location. According to officials, ATS teams searched his rented accommodation at Ashok Nagar in Nazirabad, seized his phone and laptop, and later took him to Delhi for questioning.
Arif, a native of Anantnag in Jammu and Kashmir, reportedly came under the scanner following disclosures made during the interrogation of former GSVM professor Dr. Shaheen Sayeed, already arrested in the same case. Investigators suspect that Arif had been in regular contact with Dr. Shaheen and her brother, Dr. Parvez, both under investigation.
Sources revealed that on the day of the Red Fort blast, Arif was allegedly in telephonic contact with individuals linked to the suspected network. He had also visited Kashmir recently, heightening suspicions. When ATS officials reached his residence, Arif allegedly attempted to erase data from his phone, but it was seized in time.
Preliminary analysis of his call records and chats reportedly indicates communication with the blast mastermind and other suspects. The group is believed to have used a shared email ID to exchange draft messages, a method commonly used to avoid surveillance.
The development has triggered unease within GSVM Medical College, particularly in the Cardiology Department, where Arif joined just three months ago.
Chief Medical Superintendent (Cardiology) Dr. Gyanendra confirmed the detention, stating, “Dr. Arif joined three months ago through All India counselling. He was on duty on Wednesday and later went to his accommodation. Around 7 pm, we were informed he had been taken for questioning.” He added that screening of all cardiology students has been initiated as a precaution.
Arif’s landlord, Kanhaiya Lal, said the doctor had been living on rent for about a month and had shown valid ID proof. “A four-member team came around 7.30 pm, searched the room, and locked it again before leaving quietly,” he told reporters.
A top police official confirmed Arif’s detention and subsequent handover to central investigating agencies. Kanpur Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal said he has sought details, adding, “We are checking the facts and will confirm after verification.”
Meanwhile, ATS and NIA teams are continuing search operations in Kanpur to trace additional links to Dr. Shaheen’s network. Officials said more arrests are likely as the probe deepens. (Agencies)
