Indian security agencies have intensified their investigation into a sophisticated inter-state white-collar terror network and the massive Delhi Red Fort blast, with Jammu and Kashmir Police now seeking international assistance through Interpol.
International Manhunt Launched
The Jammu and Kashmir Police have formally approached Interpol to issue a Red Corner Notice against Dr Muzaffar Rather, brother of Dr Adil Ahmad Rather, who has been identified as a key accused in the terror module. Muzaffar, originally from Qazigund in south Kashmir and associated with Al Falah University in Haryana's Faridabad district, reportedly left India in August and is currently believed to be in Afghanistan.
Investigators uncovered crucial information during interrogation of arrested suspects, revealing that Dr Muzaffar Rather, Dr Umar Nabi, and Dr Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie had traveled to Turkey for approximately 20 days in 2021. This foreign connection has become a significant focus of the ongoing probe.
White-Collar Terror Network Exposed
The case is being handled by the State Investigation Agency (SIA) of Jammu & Kashmir Police, which initially uncovered the module during an investigation into Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) posters appearing in Nowgam, Srinagar. This discovery led authorities to a more extensive network that surprisingly involved several medical professionals.
According to police findings, the entire terror module was operated by three primary accused: Umar, Muzammil, and Muzaffar. The group allegedly used the encrypted messaging platform Telegram to communicate with their handler based in Pakistan, demonstrating sophisticated operational methods.
Delhi Blast Investigation Progress
The investigation gained urgency following the devastating blast on November 10 near Red Fort Metro Station Gate No. 1, which resulted in 13 fatalities and more than 25 injuries. The explosive-laden Hyundai i20 car was being driven by 28-year-old Dr Umar Nabi, whose involvement was confirmed through DNA matching with his mother after body parts were recovered from the blast site.
Umar, who also worked at Al Falah University, is described by investigators as the most radicalized among the accused. On the day of the explosion, he drove the vehicle around the city, parked it near the Red Fort complex for three hours, and then drove it slowly in the evening before the detonation.
In the three days following the November 10 blast, eight individuals have been arrested with many others detained as security agencies work to dismantle the entire network. The case highlights the emerging threat of educated professionals being recruited for terror activities, marking a significant shift in terror recruitment patterns in the region.
Meanwhile, Turkey's Directorate of Communications Centre for Countering Disinformation released a statement on November 12 strongly denying recent reports that its territory was being used for radicalization activities linked to such operations. The Turkish government characterized these reports as part of a malicious disinformation campaign aimed at damaging bilateral relations between the two countries.
