The Delhi Red Fort car blast, which killed 12 people, has unearthed a terror module with unexpected links to a Faridabad-based university and a doctor previously dismissed for terror ties by Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. The investigation has revealed that Dr. Nisar Ul Hassan, who was sacked from Srinagar's SHMS hospital in November 2023 for his connections to terrorist groups, was subsequently employed by Al-Falah School of Medical Science and Research Centre in Faridabad. He has now emerged as a key suspect in the case involving the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) module behind the Delhi car blast.
Dr. Hassan's role is under scrutiny, with investigators suspecting he was the mastermind behind radicalizing medical professionals, including Dr. Umar Nabi, the suspected driver of the explosive-laden Hyundai i20. Dr. Nabi, who died in the blast, worked alongside Dr. Hassan in the general medicine department of Al-Falah University. Authorities are investigating whether Dr. Hassan, with his history of supporting secessionists and terrorists in Kashmir, fueled separatist ideology within medical professionals, potentially motivating doctors working for the JeM module.
The central government has declared the Red Fort blast a "terrorist incident" and is urgently investigating the matter. The probe has uncovered a "white-collar terror module" with links to Al-Falah University. Following the blast, police discovered a red Ford EcoSport car linked to Dr. Umar Un Nabi near Khandawali village.
Al-Falah University has distanced itself from the accused doctors, stating they were only connected through their official capacities at the university. The university has also denied allegations that its laboratories were used for storing chemicals or materials related to the terror plot. Vice-Chancellor Bhupinder Kaur Anand expressed the university's commitment to national unity and security and affirmed their full cooperation with investigators.
The investigation has led to multiple arrests, including Dr. Muzammil Ganaie and Dr. Shaheen Sayeed, both affiliated with Al-Falah University. Dr. Ganaie is accused of storing approximately 2,900 kg of explosives and inflammable materials in rented rooms in Faridabad. Dr. Sayeed is suspected of heading Jaish-e-Mohammed's women's recruitment wing, Jamaat-ul-Mominat, in India.
The arrest of Dr. Hassan has raised questions about Al-Falah University's hiring practices. Authorities are investigating why Dr. Hassan was hired despite his dismissal from his previous position due to terror links. Similarly, Dr. Shaheen was allegedly fired from a Kanpur medical college before being hired by Al-Falah. It remains unclear whether the university conducted thorough background checks or was aware of the controversial pasts of these individuals.
LG Manoj Sinha has emphasized that ending terrorism is a shared responsibility between the government, security forces, and the people. He has called for public cooperation in identifying those supporting terror activities. Sinha has also reiterated his commitment to providing justice and rehabilitation to victims of terror, underscoring the government's determination to dismantle the terror ecosystem operating in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Delhi Red Fort blast and the subsequent investigation have exposed a complex web of terror, highlighting the need for vigilance, thorough background checks, and collaborative efforts to counter extremism in all its forms. The incident has raised serious concerns about the potential for educational institutions to be exploited by terror groups and the importance of addressing radicalization within professional circles.
