Investigators examining Monday’s car blast near the Red Fort have identified Dr Umar Un Nabi as the most radicalised member of the Faridabad-based module linked to Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM). According to officials familiar with the probe, Umar was part of a group of medical professionals who allegedly spent nearly two years collecting fertiliser-based explosives, including ammonium nitrate, for potential coordinated attacks across multiple Indian cities.
The Faridabad module comprises the arrested doctors Dr Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie, Dr Adeel Majeed Rather, and Dr Shaheen Shahid. Investigators stated that Shaheen, during interrogation in Srinagar on Monday night, said Umar frequently spoke about “unleashing multiple terror attacks in the country” during their meetings after work at Al-Falah Medical College.
Two-Year Build-Up and Missed Capture
Officials said Umar had been teaching at Al-Falah Medical College and was part of the same circle as Muzammil and Adeel, with whom he allegedly accumulated ammonium nitrate and detonators over an extended period. While Muzammil, Adeel and Shaheen were arrested earlier in coordinated operations by Jammu & Kashmir Police, Uttar Pradesh Police and Haryana Police, Umar managed to escape and was believed to have gone underground. He resurfaced as the suspected bomber, allegedly preparing and packing the Hyundai i20 used in the Red Fort blast.
Network Expands Beyond Faridabad
Interrogation of the arrested doctors has indicated the presence of a wider JeM-linked network. Shaheen reportedly informed investigators that her brother, Parvez Sayeed, was also radicalised and was part of a shared chat group with Muzammil and Adeel. A J&K Police team visited Lucknow on Tuesday and detained Parvez, though no major recoveries were made. Officials said it was possible that he had disposed of any incriminating material before the arrest.
Investigators have also identified a Gurugram-based ammonium nitrate supplier, who may soon face raids.
Role of Clerics and Overseas Handlers
Sources said recent raids in Faridabad and the Delhi blast have exposed the involvement of several clerics in indoctrination efforts. This includes Irfan Ahmad Wagay, a Shopian-based maulvi allegedly in communication with Pakistan-based JeM handler Umar bin Khattab (Harjulla), and Hafiz Mohd Ishtiyak, a Mewat-based cleric believed to have provided logistical support. These clerics reportedly used social media platforms to radicalise highly qualified professionals, including doctors, for JeM-linked activities.
Investigators noted that the medical profession may have offered participants a convenient cover for clandestine operations.
Past Precedents Under Scrutiny
Officials have pointed out that this is not the first instance of a Kashmiri doctor being found involved in terror-linked activities. In November 2023, J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha dismissed Dr Nisar Ul Hassan, assistant professor at SMHS Hospital, Srinagar, for alleged terror links. Hassan, described as the self-styled president of DAK, was suspected of using the organisation to influence medical professionals in J&K towards secessionist ideas under the patronage of Pakistan-backed entities.
Authorities said it remains under investigation whether Hassan had any role in radicalising the doctors arrested in Faridabad or in influencing the group involved in the Delhi blast.
(Source: Times of India)
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