Hospital Colleagues Express Shock Over Doctor's Arrest in Terror Case
The medical community at Saharanpur's Famous Medicare Super Speciality Hospital was left stunned when Dr. Rather Adeel Ahmad, one of their own, was arrested by Jammu and Kashmir police on November 7 in connection with the Red Fort blast investigation. Just hours before his arrest, Dr. Adeel had informed his colleagues that he needed to urgently travel to his hometown to care for his ailing mother.
Dr. Adeel had only recently returned to work on November 1 after taking a month-long break for his wedding in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. The doctor, who held an MD in Medicine, had resumed his duties at the hospital just days before his sudden departure and subsequent arrest in Sarsawa, approximately 17.4 kilometers from Saharanpur.
Colleagues Remember a Compassionate Doctor
Hospital staff members who worked closely with Dr. Adeel expressed complete disbelief at the allegations against him. "We never suspected him of any involvement in any terror organization," revealed one staff member who requested anonymity. "He came across as a friendly doctor and always met everyone with compassion and love."
Several colleagues had even attended Dr. Adeel's wedding when he left Saharanpur on September 26, indicating the close professional relationships he had developed at the healthcare facility. Dr. Babar, one of his colleagues who attended the wedding ceremony, stated he noticed nothing unusual during the celebrations.
Warning Signs and Professional History
According to hospital sources, Dr. Adeel informed the Resident Medical Officer, Dr. Danish, about his need to return to Kashmir on November 7. Dr. Danish reportedly expressed doubts about the doctor's return, immediately instructing staff to begin searching for a replacement physician.
Manoj Mishra, head of hospital operations, confirmed that Dr. Adeel had been hired by him and previously worked at V-BROS Hospital as a consultant. "Our relationship was purely professional and I was not invited to his wedding," Mishra stated, emphasizing the formal nature of their association.
The administrative incharge at V-BROS Hospital revealed that Dr. Adeel had joined their institution on November 24, 2024, with a salary of ₹3 lakh, but left when he received a better offer elsewhere.
Hospital Location and Verification Process
Famous Medicare Super Speciality Hospital is situated in Saharanpur's main market area, featuring a ground plus two-storey glass and concrete structure surrounded by various commercial establishments including a liquor store, dhaba, tattoo parlour, and grocery stores. The hospital, built by a local businessman in 2022, currently operates under leased management and employs four specialist doctors.
Aslam Zaidi, the hospital's administrative incharge, defended their hiring process, stating Dr. Adeel's medical documents were properly verified. "For us, he was a very good doctor and was hired after due diligence," Zaidi affirmed.
Police Investigation and Local Reactions
Superintendent of Police (City) Vyom Bindal confirmed that a delegation of J&K police had arrived in Saharanpur district on November 7 specifically to locate Dr. Adeel and had sought cooperation from local authorities. SP (District) Ashish Tiwari clarified that while regular tenant verification drives are conducted in the city, no specific verification request had been made for Dr. Adeel prior to his arrest.
Dr. Adeel resided alone in a single-storeyed house in Aman Vihar, approximately 2.5 kilometers from the hospital. Local residents reported minimal interaction with the doctor, with neighbor Nafees Ahmad noting, "Since he was not staying with his family, we never met or spoke to him."
The arrest has sent shockwaves through the medical community in Saharanpur, with colleagues struggling to reconcile the allegations with their experience of Dr. Adeel as a competent and compassionate healthcare professional. The investigation continues as authorities examine potential connections between the arrested doctor and the Red Fort blast case.
