Maulvi Irfan Ahmad, an imam from Shopian in Jammu and Kashmir, has emerged as the central figure in the Faridabad terror module, accused of radicalizing medical students and professionals. His arrest followed the busting of an explosives cache in Faridabad and a blast near Delhi's Red Fort, triggering a multi-agency investigation.

Ahmad, who previously worked as a paramedical staff member at Government Medical College (GMC) in Srinagar, allegedly used his position and religious sermons to identify and influence individuals susceptible to extremist ideologies. Investigators say he maintained contact with students he met at a mosque in Nowgam, using Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) propaganda videos to inspire radical beliefs. He is believed to have cultivated these ideologies carefully over time, embedding extremist thinking into the minds of his recruits.

The investigation revealed Ahmad's connections to Dr. Muzammil Shakeel, a faculty member at Al Falah University in Faridabad, and Dr. Mohammad Umar, who allegedly carried out the Red Fort blast. Dr. Shakeel was arrested after authorities discovered a large quantity of explosives, arms, and bomb-making materials in his rented accommodation. Dr. Umar, who was in the car at the time of the Red Fort explosion, is presumed dead.

Authorities describe this terror module as "white-collar terrorism," indicating a disturbing trend of educated professionals, particularly those with medical backgrounds, being drawn into militant activities. These individuals allegedly provide legitimacy, skills, and operational capabilities to terror organizations, masking militant planning under the guise of spiritual or scholarly pursuits.

The group allegedly planned a multi-state operation to ignite unrest across India, purportedly as revenge for the killing of Jaish chief Masood Azhar's family in Pakistan. Ahmad maintained contact with individuals in Afghanistan through VoIP calls, aiming to deeply instill extremist ideologies in his students.

Further investigation has uncovered a wider network involving doctors, academics, and students. Dr. Shaheen Sayeed, a Lucknow-based academic from Al-Falah University, has been identified as a financier and supporter of the module, allegedly serving as the India commander of JeM's women's wing, Jamaat-ul-Mominaat.

The probe is currently focused on uncovering the full extent of the network, including its financial flows and logistical support. Investigators are examining whether Al-Falah University's laboratory facilities were intended for synthesizing advanced explosives. Authorities have seized electronic devices from Ahmad's residence, providing leads to a wider nexus.

The case has been registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Explosive Substances Act, and the Arms Act. The investigation involves coordinated efforts across Delhi, Haryana, and Jammu & Kashmir.