Delhi Car Bomb Horror: More Arrests Unravel J&K Terror Links as University Faces Scrutiny
Authorities have arrested a medical professor and a student from Jammu and Kashmir in Uttar Pradesh, linking them to the devastating car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort that claimed 13 lives, including one more victim who died from severe burns on Thursday.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police has issued a Red Corner Notice for another Kashmiri doctor now reportedly residing in Dubai, whose sibling is already in custody. Raids across J&K have led to the questioning of dozens tied to suspected terror groups.
Haryana Police recovered two vehicles belonging to Umar Nabi, the main suspect and sole occupant of the vehicle that detonated, killing the victims. Delhi Police gathered forensic samples from a nearby Jain temple and the adjacent New Lajpat Rai Market, where a severed body part was discovered. Investigators have pinpointed the outlets that supplied ammonium nitrate to the suspects and taken the vendors into custody for interrogation.
The central government has mandated a comprehensive forensic review of Al-Falah University’s records in Faridabad, where several suspects pursued studies or employment. The Enforcement Directorate and other financial probes have been directed to trace funding flows at the institution, following a top-level meeting led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, sources informed PTI.
The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has revoked Al-Falah University’s membership, citing concerns over its operational integrity. Previously, the National Assessment and Accreditation Council served a notice for the university’s use of misleading accreditation claims on its now-defunct website.
In the arrests, Dr. Farukh, an assistant professor in obstetrics at Hapur’s GS Medical College, was apprehended by Delhi Police on the campus Wednesday evening, as reported by PTI. He had trained at Al-Falah University.
Sources indicate Mohammad Arif Mir, from Khagund Qazigund in J&K and a first-year student at Kanpur’s state-run Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Memorial (GSVM) Medical College’s Laxmipat Singhania Institute of Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, was picked up by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad. He allegedly communicated with Dr. Shaheen Sayeed, a former GSVM faculty member and Al-Falah employee, who faces charges for stockpiling explosives over the last year. The UP ATS raided Mir’s rental in Ashok Nagar, Nazirabad, confiscating his phone and laptop for analysis before transferring him to Delhi.
J&K Police are pursuing Dr. Muzaffar, who relocated to Dubai this year. He is the brother of Dr. Adeel Ahmad Rather, already detained. On November 7, an AK-47 was found in Dr. Rather’s locker at Anantnag Medical College, where he served as a senior resident until October 24, 2024. Officials are monitoring relatives of the detained doctors who may have journeyed to Turkey, Dubai, or Afghanistan for potential international connections.
Forensic teams from Delhi Police scoured Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir opposite the Red Fort, retrieving blast debris from the grounds. “The FSL team has secured all items from the temple for analysis,” a senior officer noted. They also examined the Lala Lajpat Rai Market blast vicinity, where the remains surfaced.
Faridabad Police held an individual who parked Nabi’s red Ford EcoSport (DL 10 CK 0458) in Khandawali village, Haryana, the previous day, handing him to J&K Police. A white vehicle sought by J&K forces was impounded from Al-Falah University’s grounds, Faridabad Police confirmed.
Delhi Police highlighted communication lapses among state forces, with one officer telling The Hindu that alerts on Nabi’s movements from J&K or Haryana could have triggered checkpoints, including tolls. Nabi’s final hours—from departing Faridabad pre-blast to the detonation—were pieced together via over 50 CCTV recordings. He reportedly visited Wazirpur around noon Monday; door-to-door probes there continue. Thursday searches targeted Jahangirpuri, Wazirpur, and Ashok Vihar, with resident interviews.
In J&K, intensified operations against terror outfits swept north and south Kashmir. Searches focused on Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) members and families with ties to Pakistan or Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
“Six subversive network affiliates were summoned and legally bound in Baramulla. Twenty-two terror-linked properties were inspected; 20 associates bound down, two jailed under preventive measures. Two UAPA suspects (on bail) were questioned—one bound, one detained,” police stated. Eight bailed UAPA cases face cancellation bids, two forwarded to court. “Two JeI affiliates were checked for compliance; two fugitive UAPA suspects located, proceedings launched.”
In Shopian, broad searches hit JeI associates and J&K nationals active from Pakistan. “These aim to uncover logistical or financial aid to terror acts,” police explained.
Pulwama saw Cordon and Search Operations at suspect sites. “Multiple homes searched, identities checked with security forces,” they added.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah vowed the severest penalties for the perpetrators, signaling to global terrorists that such acts are unthinkable in India. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guidance, he noted, India’s anti-terror stance has earned worldwide respect over 11 years, with the PM spearheading the global effort. All involved, he affirmed, will face justice; the government and Home Ministry stand resolute.