Kanpur, India - In the ongoing investigation into the Red Fort blast that occurred earlier this week, a medical student from Kanpur has been summoned for questioning by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). The student, identified as Mohammad Arif, is a first-year cardiology student at the LPS Institute of Cardiology & Cardiac Surgery in Kanpur.
Arif's alleged connection stems from his association with Dr. Shaheen Saeed, who was previously arrested in connection with the Faridabad arms and explosives haul. According to Gyanendra Kumar, Chief Medical Staff at the LPS Institute, Arif was called in for questioning on Wednesday evening. Kumar stated that the institute was unaware of Arif's activities outside the campus and that nothing suspicious had been observed in his behavior during his three months of practice in the cardiology department.
The Red Fort blast, which occurred on Monday evening, resulted in 12 fatalities and numerous injuries. The explosion, triggered in a Hyundai i20 car near the Red Fort Metro Station, scattered debris and damaged vehicles in the vicinity. Initial assessments suggest that the suspects may have mishandled the explosives, leading to a premature detonation.
In connection with the blast, authorities have identified Dr. Umar Mohammad as a key suspect. Sources indicate that Dr. Umar may have panicked and triggered the blast after the arrest of two of his alleged associates, Dr. Mujammil Shakeel and Dr. Adil Rather, in Faridabad, where a substantial quantity of explosives was seized.
The investigation has revealed a potential "white-collar terror network" with links to Pakistan-based outfits Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGH). Sources also suggest that Dr. Muzammil Shakeel and Dr. Adeel Ahmad Rather had traveled to Turkiye to meet with Jaish-e-Mohammed handlers.
Forensic teams are continuing to analyze evidence from the blast site. A body part was recovered from the New Lajpat Rai Market area and has been sent for examination. Additionally, authorities have recovered coded diaries belonging to Dr. Umar and Dr. Muzammil, which outline plans for an incident between November 8th and 12th. The diaries also contain the names of approximately 25 individuals, primarily from Jammu and Kashmir and Faridabad.
The Delhi Police are intensifying vehicle verification measures and have met with car dealers and market associations to implement stricter norms. A red EcoSport linked to Dr. Umar has been located near a village in Faridabad, and the person who parked the vehicle has been detained.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the investigation and formed a special team to probe the terror attack. Prime Minister Modi has vowed to take strict action against those responsible for the blast and visited survivors at LNJP Hospital. Helpline numbers have been set up for those seeking assistance or information.
