Indian authorities have made a significant breakthrough in Monday's devastating explosion near Delhi's historic Red Fort, arresting Dr. Shaheen Shahid among eight individuals connected to a multi-state terror module. The blast claimed 12 lives and left approximately 20 people injured, sending shockwaves across the nation.
Major Terror Network Uncovered
Investigators have revealed connections to banned terrorist organizations Jaish-e-Mohammed and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, with police recovering a massive 2,900 kilograms of explosives during raids. The arrests include three doctors from Al-Falah University in Faridabad, pointing to what authorities describe as a "white-collar terror module" operating across state lines.
Dr. Shaheen Shahid, a faculty member at Al-Falah University, is suspected of heading Jaish-e-Mohammed's women's recruitment wing, Jamaat-ul-Mominat, in India. Police investigations indicate her connection to another faculty member, Dr. Muzammil Ganaie, who is also allegedly part of the terror network.
Family Expresses Shock and Disbelief
Speaking to news agency PTI, Shaheen's brother Mohammad Shoaib expressed complete disbelief over the allegations against his sister. "I still don't believe these allegations. As I have said before, I simply cannot believe it," Shoaib stated, revealing that he hasn't been in touch with his sister for four years, though their parents maintained occasional contact.
"Parents will naturally call their children to ask how they are doing. I am her elder brother, of course, I would also worry about her. Isn't that normal?" he emotionally questioned. Shoaib described the police search at their home as professional, noting they "asked questions normally" without using "pressure or force."
Former Husband Recalls Different Person
Dr. Zafar Hayat, Shaheen's former husband, learned about her alleged involvement only recently. The couple was married in November 2003 and divorced in late 2012. "Our divorce took place towards the end of 2012. I am not sure what was on her mind that led to it. There was never any dispute or quarrel between us," Hayat recalled.
He described Shaheen as "a loving and caring person" who was "deeply attached to her family and children, loved them immensely and took care of their studies." Hayat emphasized that during their marriage, he "never had any inkling that she could be involved in such activities" and noted he had "never seen her in a burqa."
Shaheen's father, Syed Ahmad Ansari, also expressed shock at the allegations against his daughter, who completed her medical studies in Allahabad (now Prayagraj). "I last spoke to Shaheen about a month ago. I have never heard her mention Dr Muzammil or anyone involved in such activities," Ansari told reporters.
Multi-Agency Investigation Intensifies
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is leading the probe into the Red Fort blast, which police confirm was caused by a high-intensity explosive device planted in a car. Police departments from Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, along with their specialist units, are collaborating in the investigation.
The investigation has revealed the terror network spans across Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, with multiple arrests made following the discovery of explosive materials. The scale of the module and the involvement of educated professionals has raised serious concerns about the evolving nature of terror threats in the country.
Authorities continue to investigate the full extent of the network and potential connections to other planned attacks, with security agencies remaining on high alert across affected states.
