Srinagar, November 12, 2025 – A Kashmiri cleric, Maulvi Irfan Ahmad Wagay, also known as Imam Irfan, has been apprehended in connection with an alleged radicalization drive targeting doctors and medical students in the region. The arrest comes amidst a multi-agency probe following the recovery of a large cache of explosives in Faridabad and a blast near Delhi's Red Fort.
Ahmad, who also worked as a paramedic at Srinagar's Government Medical College (GMC), is accused of exploiting his position and prayer sessions in Nowgam, Srinagar, to identify and influence individuals susceptible to radical ideologies. Intelligence sources indicate that Ahmad played a key role in influencing medical professionals and students by showing them extremist videos and maintaining contact with handlers in Afghanistan.
The investigation, which began after posters bearing the name of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) appeared in Bunpora, Nowgam on October 19, has revealed a "white-collar terror ecosystem" involving radicalized medical professionals and students. These individuals allegedly operated through encrypted communication channels for indoctrination, coordination, fund transfers, and logistics. Authorities believe this network has links to Pakistan-based JeM and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGuH).
During a raid at Ahmad's residence in Shopian, authorities also arrested his wife, who is accused of radicalizing a doctor named Shaheen and helping her form a women's wing under JeM. This wing focused on radicalization and recruitment, with instructions to spread the drive beyond Jammu and Kashmir, focusing on Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana.
The investigation has also revealed Ahmad's ties with Dr. Muzammil Shakeel, who was working at Al Falah University in Faridabad, and Dr. Mohammad Umar, suspected of carrying out the Red Fort blast. Dr. Muzammil was operating from rooms owned by Ahmad.
Police describe the operation as a dismantling of "white-collar terrorism," where professionals and academics are linked to JeM and AGuH. By enlisting professionals, the group allegedly masked militant planning under the guise of spiritual or scholarly pursuits.
The authorities have arrested several individuals in connection with the case, including Arif Nisar Dar, Yasir-ul-Ashraf, Maqsood Ahmad Dar, Zameer Ahmad Ahanger, Dr. Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie, and Dr. Adeel. Dr. Shaheen Shahid, from Lucknow, was also arrested after an AK-47 was allegedly recovered from her car.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are tracing the financial flow and linkages of the network. Officials say that the quantity of explosives seized indicates a larger agenda. The police have managed to seize a large quantity of explosive material, including 350 kg of ammonium nitrate in one operation and 2,563 kg in another.
The case has been registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Explosive Substances Act, and other relevant sections. Further searches and arrests are likely as the investigation expands to track handlers and funding sources.
