Post by : Rameen Ariff

A significant twist in the investigation of the Red Fort explosion emerges as three Kashmiri doctors—Adeel Ahmad Rather, Muzammil Shakeel, and Umar Mohammed—are being scrutinized for their potential involvement in the tragic event that claimed nine lives and left over 20 injured on Monday evening.

According to intelligence sources, the arrests of Adeel Ahmad Rather from Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh) and Muzammil Shakeel from Faridabad (Haryana) led to the uncovering of approximately 2,900 kg of explosive materials, presumed to be ammonium nitrate—the same substance linked to the Red Fort car blast incident.

Details of the Red Fort Explosion

At around 6:52 PM, a car identified as a white Hyundai i20 exploded at a traffic signal near Netaji Subhash Marg, situated between Red Fort and Chandni Chowk. Eyewitnesses described witnessing a "massive fireball," which engulfed several vehicles. Firefighters struggled for about 30 minutes to bring the blaze under control amidst widespread panic in central Delhi.

In response, security agencies initiated a thorough investigation, tracing the car ownership through several individuals—Salman, Devender, Aamir, Tariq, and ultimately Dr. Umar Mohammed, who is believed to have been driving the vehicle when the blast occurred. CCTV footage allegedly captured Umar shortly before the explosion, and authorities have ordered a DNA test to verify his identity.

Possible Terrorism Links and Continuing Investigations

While officials have not definitively labeled the incident as a terror attack, a case has been filed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is poised to assume control of the investigation.

Sources indicate that Umar may have contemplated a suicide attack out of fear stemming from the arrests and the loss of explosives. The probe has also uncovered ties to Jaish-e-Mohammad, shown by posters supporting the group that were discovered in Srinagar prior to the incident.

A 'White Collar Terror Ecosystem'

Investigators characterize this situation as indicative of a rising trend in radicalization—a "white-collar terror ecosystem" where educated individuals, including healthcare professionals, are targeted for extremist roles. These networks are purported to utilize encrypted channels for communication, financial transactions, and operational coordination.

Funding was reportedly obtained under the pretense of charitable endeavors, while the accused were involved in recruitment, logistics, and the acquisition of arms and IED materials.

A Concerning Trend

All three doctors held esteemed positions prior to their arrests—Adeel was employed at Government Medical College in Anantnag, Muzammil worked as a senior resident at Al Falah Medical College, and Umar was affiliated with local hospitals. Their alleged participation highlights a troubling trend in terrorist recruitment, targeting the educated elite.

Authorities are conducting exhaustive raids across various states as the investigations advance to expose broader networks linked to the Red Fort explosion.

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