First Major Breakthrough in Interstate Terror Module Case
In a significant development in counter-terrorism operations, Jammu and Kashmir's State Investigation Agency (SIA) has made its first formal arrest in the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM)-Ansar Ghazwatul Hind (AGH) interstate terror module that was busted earlier this month. The arrested individual, Tufail Niyaz, a resident of Srinagar, stands accused of playing a crucial role in the network's weapon supply chain.
The Weapon Connection and Arrest Details
According to senior officials who confirmed the development to The Indian Express, Niyaz was formally taken into custody by the SIA after the agency took over the case from the Jammu and Kashmir Police. This marks the first arrest made by the SIA since it assumed control of the investigation.
Police sources revealed that Niyaz was initially detained by J-K Police immediately after the terror module was busted. The module comprised four doctors identified as Muzamil Shakeel Ganai, Adeel Ahmad Rather, Umar Nabi, and Shaheen Shahid. Following his initial detention, Niyaz was handed over to the SIA for further investigation and subsequently formally arrested in the case.
Investigators allege that Niyaz, who worked as a technician, was responsible for providing the AK rifle that was recovered from a locker at the Government Medical College (GMC) in Anantnag. The weapon was found in a locker that was in the possession of Dr. Adeel Ahmad Rather, one of the accused doctors.
International Connections and Module Details
The investigation has uncovered disturbing international connections in the case. Sources indicate that Niyaz allegedly received the rifle from a Pakistani handler, establishing a direct link between the module and cross-border terror networks.
The recovery of the weapon was made possible based on information provided by Dr. Rather during interrogation. The rifle's discovery in a medical college locker has raised serious concerns about the penetration of terror networks into professional institutions.
Meanwhile, the other members of the doctor's module have faced different fates. Muzamil, Adeel, and Shaheen have been arrested by J-K Police and subsequently handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which has taken over the Red Fort blast case. Tragically, the fourth doctor, Umar Nabi, died in the explosion outside Red Fort.
Significance of the Arrest and Ongoing Investigation
This arrest represents a crucial breakthrough for the newly empowered State Investigation Agency. The case highlights the evolving nature of terror networks in the region, with educated professionals allegedly being recruited into militant activities.
The involvement of medical professionals in the terror module has sent shockwaves through security establishments. The incident occurred on November 23, 2025, and the investigation continues to uncover further details about the network's operations and connections.
Security agencies are now focusing on tracing the complete weapon supply chain and identifying all individuals involved in the module. The SIA's successful first arrest demonstrates the agency's growing capability in handling complex terror cases in the region.
