Cross-Border Terror Network Uncovered in Red Fort Blast Probe
Indian security agencies have uncovered a sophisticated cross-border terror network behind the devastating explosion that ripped through Old Delhi on November 10. The investigation has identified three key handlers operating from Afghanistan and Pakistan who allegedly guided a module of highly educated Kashmiri doctors in executing the attack near the historic Red Fort.
The Foreign Handlers and Their Digital Trail
According to intelligence sources, one of the primary handlers, known as Dr Ukasha, is suspected to be operating from the Pachir Wa Agam district of Nangarhar province in Afghanistan. This region holds significant historical importance in global jihadist networks, being home to the Tora Bora mountains that once sheltered Osama bin Laden.
Alongside Ukasha, two other handlers—Hashim and Faisal Iqbal Bhat—are believed to have coordinated the module's activities from across the border. Investigators have revealed that the trio not only radicalized the doctors but also provided extensive technical guidance, including bomb-making tutorials and instructions for setting up secret laboratories.
Security agencies have recovered evidence showing that the handlers sent more than 40 videos covering explosives preparation and chemical mixing through encrypted platforms, primarily Telegram. The digital footprints clearly lead to Afghanistan and Pakistan, with efforts currently focused on determining the handlers' real identities and exact locations.
The Sophisticated Operation and ISI Links
One senior investigation officer described Faisal Iqbal Bhat as the most sophisticated among the handlers. "He could be in Pakistan or Afghanistan. The nature of his chats indicate he could be an ISI operative. His conversations are sharp and he gives clear instructions, assigning specific roles and responsibilities to module members," the officer revealed.
Intelligence assessment suggests that Ukasha's presence in Afghanistan and Faisal's possible Pakistan connection represents an evolving ecosystem of cross-border handlers operating jointly through digital safehouses. While Hashim's identity remains unclear, the coordinated nature of their operations points to well-established terror networks.
The Kashmiri Module and JeM Connection
The actual executors of the Delhi blast have been identified as:
- Umar Nabi - drove the i20 car that exploded near Red Fort
- Muzammil Ahmed Ganai - from whose Faridabad flat 350 kg ammonium nitrate was recovered
- Adeel Ahmed Rather
- Shaheen Saeed Ansari
- Mufti Irfan Ahmad Wagay
Among these, Mufti Irfan Ahmad Wagay, a Jaish-e-Mohammed asset from Shopian, is considered the linchpin of the entire conspiracy. His digital footprints were found across terror activities in Kashmir and Haryana. "He is a cleric from Shopian who provided logistical support to JeM operatives, helped transfer weapons and funds, and indoctrinated youth," explained an officer familiar with probe details.
The investigation initially began with probes into JeM propaganda posters in Nowgam that Wagay engineered through three local youth, which eventually led to the discovery of this dangerous module. Wagay had received education in seminaries across Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh before becoming actively involved in terror activities.
The discovery of this cross-border digital terror network has raised significant concerns about the evolving nature of terrorist operations, where handlers can remotely guide educated individuals in executing sophisticated attacks without physical presence in the target country.
