In a significant development, the State Investigation Agency (SIA) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police has made another arrest in the ongoing 'white collar' terror module case, officials confirmed on Saturday.
Key Arrest in Srinagar
The arrested individual has been identified as Tufail Niyaz Bhat, a resident of the Batamaloo area in Srinagar. His arrest marks a crucial step in the extensive investigation into a sophisticated terror network that allegedly involved educated professionals.
This case first came to light in mid-October when the Srinagar Police initiated an investigation into the appearance of threatening posters targeting police and security forces. These posters were pasted on walls in the Bunpora area of Nowgam.
How the Module Was Busted
The breakthrough in the case was led by Senior Superintendent of Police (Srinagar) Dr G V Sundeep Chakravarthy. A meticulous analysis of CCTV footage from the area led to the initial identification and arrest of three suspects: Arif Nisar Dar alias Sahil, Yasir-ul-Ashraf, and Maqsood Ahmad Dar alias Shahid.
During the interrogation of these individuals, a more complex network began to unravel. The trail led investigators to Maulvi Irfan Ahmad, a former paramedic who had become an Imam. He was arrested on allegations of supplying the threatening posters and radicalising doctors to join the module.
The investigation then took a dramatic turn, reaching beyond Jammu and Kashmir to Al Falah University in Faridabad. There, the SIA arrested Dr Muzzafar Ganaie and Dr Shaheen Sayeed. In a major haul, the agency also seized a staggering 2,900 kg of explosive material.
The Core Trio and Ongoing Manhunt
Investigators have pieced together that a core trio of doctors was allegedly at the heart of running this module. This group reportedly consisted of Dr Ganaie, Umar Nabi (the driver of an explosives-laden car that detonated near the Red Fort on November 10), and Muzzaffar Rather, who is currently absconding.
The arrest of Tufail Niyaz Bhat is seen as part of the continuing efforts to completely dismantle this 'white collar' terror network, which sought to use professionals to further its activities. The SIA's probe remains active as they pursue all leads.
