New Delhi: The investigation into Monday’s deadly blast near the Red Fort has revealed a sprawling “white-collar” terror network, with a woman doctor from Uttar Pradesh allegedly tasked with setting up a women’s recruitment wing for the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The probe has also uncovered a direct link to Pulwama, with investigators identifying the man believed to have carried out the attack.
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The blast, which killed 12 people and injured over 20, is now believed to be connected to an interstate terror module busted by security agencies just hours before the explosion.
The ‘White-Collar’ Terror Network
According to intelligence sources quoted by news agency PTI, Dr. Shaheen Sayeed, who is associated with Al Falah University in Faridabad, was allegedly responsible for establishing “Jamaat-ul-Mominat,” a wing designed to recruit educated and professional women into JeM’s fold.
Dr. Sayeed was one of eight individuals, including two other doctors, arrested in a multi-state operation across Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. During the raids, authorities seized nearly 2,900 kg of explosives, including ammonium nitrate. An intelligence officer described the network to PTI as a “white-collar terror setup,” where educated youths and professionals were being radicalized for logistical and operational support.
The Pulwama Link and Suicide Attack Angle
Investigators have identified Dr. Umar Nabi, a medical professional from Lethpora in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district, as the driver of the Hyundai i20 that exploded. It is believed Nabi died in the blast. Officials suspect he may have carried out the attack after learning that his associates, including Dr. Sayeed, had been detained.
Police sources indicated that the car contained a mixture of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil along with detonators, and the possibility of a suicide attack has not been ruled out. To confirm the attacker’s identity, Jammu and Kashmir Police have collected DNA samples from Umar Nabi’s mother to match with remains found at the blast site. Furthermore, another Pulwama resident named Tariq has been arrested for allegedly providing the car used in the attack.
Investigation and Security Update
Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha confirmed that a multi-agency investigation is underway, with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) examining the scene. He stated that the Home Minister is being regularly briefed on the probe’s progress.
Investigation teams from the Delhi Police, NIA, and intelligence agencies are conducting raids across Delhi, Kashmir, and Haryana, with at least four more individuals detained for questioning. CCTV footage from the Red Fort area is being scrutinized to map the vehicle’s movement.
Meanwhile, Delhi remains on high alert, with intensified vehicle checks and traffic diversions around the blast site. The Red Fort Metro station remains closed to the public. Officials have identified some of the 12 deceased, including Ashok Kumar (34) from Amroha and Amar Kataria (35) from Delhi. The NIA has formally registered a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Explosives Act.
