Delhi blast: NIA, J&K Police arrest 15, detain 3 and question 56 doctors

New Delhi, Nov 12: In the aftermath of the tragic car blast on November 10 near the Red Fort in the national capital, fifteen persons have been arrested, three individuals detained and a total of 56 doctors questioned so far in connection with the incident and the ongoing probe into the “Doctor Module” terror link, media reports said.Investigators suspect that a modified explosive may have been used in the blast as Hospital sources cleared that no explosives were found on the bodies of the deceased.The investigation traces back to an objectionable poster containing threats to security forces that appeared in the Nowgam Police Station area of Srinagar. A case was registered on October 19. The initial phase of the investigation led to the arrests of Maulvi Irfan Ahmed Wagh from Shopian and Zamir Ahmed from Wakura, Ganderbal, between October 20 and 27.The investigation further widened with the apprehension of Doctor Adil from Saharanpur on November 5, followed by seizures of an AK-47 rifle and other ammunition from Anantnag Hospital on November 7, and more rifles, pistols, and ammunition from Al Falah University, Faridabad, on November 8.Subsequent interrogations revealed additional members of the module, resulting in the arrest of Doctor Muzammil and the seizure of a significant cache of weapons and ammunition. On November 9, a person named Madrasi, a resident of Dhoj, Faridabad, was arrested.A major breakthrough came on November 10 with the seizure of 2,563 kg of explosives from the residence of Hafiz Mohammad Ishtiyaq, an Imam at Al Falah Masjid, Dhera Colony, Faridabad.Additional raids recovered 358 kg of explosive material, detonators, and timers, bringing the total to around 3,000 kg. As per police sources, “During these operations, Doctor Umar Mohammad, an Al Falah University employee and alleged module member, went underground.”On the evening of November 10, the Red Fort explosion occurred. Delhi Police, along with the NSG, NIA, and forensic teams, immediately responded. The injured were hospitalised, and DNA samples, explosive residues, and other evidence were collected from the site. A significant discovery was an amputated hand, suspected to belong to Dr. Umar Mohammad, who is alleged to have been the suicide bomber. DNA samples from his mother are being tested for confirmation.Investigations indicate that Umar was radicalising students at Al Falah University, which served as the module’s operational hub. His neighbor and colleague, Dr. Muzamil Shakil, has been arrested.The car used in the blast was registered to Dr. Shaheen Shahid, later arrested from Lucknow and identified as the woman commanding Jaish-e-Mohammad operations in India. She reportedly confessed to stockpiling explosives for nearly two years and conspiring with associate doctors to carry out a major terrorist attack.Police sources said, “CCTV footage suggests that Dr. Umar Mohammad was driving the vehicle, and the explosives used in the blast match those seized in Faridabad.”Authorities are still investigating whether the explosion was pre-planned or an accidental detonation triggered by Umar’s panic while fleeing.Investigations also revealed that the vehicle was parked at Al-Falah Medical College, Dhauj, Faridabad, for nearly 11 days, from October 29 until it was driven to Delhi on November 10. The case was formally handed over to the NIA on November 11 to probe the module’s financing, operational hierarchy, and broader networks. (Agencies)