In a significant breakthrough, Delhi Police's Special Cell has arrested four individuals, including a close relative of a woman doctor, in connection with the 2022 Red Fort low-intensity blast case that had sent shockwaves through the national capital.
The Arrests and Key Accused
The arrested individuals have been identified as Javed Mattoo, a resident of Pattan in Baramulla, along with Mohd. Sohail, Mohd. Sajjad, and Mohd. Arshad. The most startling revelation involves one of the accused being related to a woman doctor currently practicing at a prominent Delhi hospital, sending her family into complete disbelief.
According to police sources, Javed Mattoo has emerged as a central figure in this investigation. He is alleged to have been involved in terror funding activities and maintaining connections with terrorist organizations operating from across the border. The arrests came following intensive surveillance and intelligence gathering by the Special Cell over several months.
Family's Shock and Disbelief
The family of the accused relative expressed profound shock upon learning about the arrest. Speaking to reporters, the ex-husband of the woman doctor described the arrested individual as "a loving person who never showed any signs of radicalization or involvement in such activities."
The family maintained that they had no prior knowledge or suspicion about the individual's alleged involvement in the blast case. They emphasized that the accused had always maintained normal behavior and showed no indication of being involved in any criminal or anti-national activities.
Details of the Red Fort Blast
The low-intensity explosion occurred at the historic Red Fort complex on December 17, 2022, creating panic among visitors and raising serious security concerns. The iconic monument, which serves as the venue for the Prime Minister's Independence Day address, was immediately secured following the incident.
Investigators revealed that the explosive device was planted strategically within the complex, though the low intensity prevented any casualties or major damage to the historical structure. The timing and location of the blast, however, raised alarms about the security preparedness at vital national monuments.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Steps
Delhi Police officials confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with teams working to uncover the complete network behind the blast. Authorities are particularly focused on tracing the source of funding, identifying all individuals involved in the conspiracy, and determining if the accused were planning any further attacks.
The police are also investigating whether the accused had received any foreign training or support from international terror organizations. Digital evidence, including mobile phone records and financial transactions, is being thoroughly examined to establish the complete chain of events.
All four arrested individuals have been remanded to police custody for further interrogation, where investigators hope to extract crucial information about the larger conspiracy and possible sleeper cells operating in the region.
