The arrest of Dr. Shaheen Sayeed in connection to the recent Red Fort car explosion has sent shockwaves through her family, who express disbelief regarding the allegations of her involvement with a terrorist module. Shaheen's brother, Mohammad Shoaib, emphasized that the family is still grappling with the severity of the accusations. He revealed that although authorities conducted a respectful search of their home, they had not been in contact with Shaheen for four years and there were no indications of her alleged wrongdoing.
Dr. Zafar Hayat, Shaheen's former husband, also voiced his astonishment upon hearing about her arrest. Having been married from 2003 until their divorce in 2012, he remembered her as a devoted mother and caring individual, stating that he never suspected her of engaging in any illegal activities. Hayat noted that their relationship was devoid of conflict, and during their time together, she showed no signs of radical beliefs.
Investigators allege that Dr. Sayeed was involved with Jaish-e-Mohammed's women's recruitment wing and had deep ties to a network described as a 'white-collar terror module' that operated across several states, including Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. The inquiry into the Red Fort blast, which resulted in multiple fatalities, has led to the arrest of several individuals, including three doctors connected to Al-Falah University, where Sayeed was employed.
The National Investigation Agency is actively pursuing leads in this broader scheme, and her father, Syed Ahmad Ansari, remains shocked, asserting that he had no knowledge of her associations with any suspicious individuals. He recounted their last conversation approximately a month ago and stated that she had never mentioned Dr. Muzammil Ganaie, another faculty member implicated in the case.
The subsisting narrative of shock and disbelief from her family members highlights a tragic juxtaposition between personal relationships and grave criminal allegations. As investigations unfold, the community remains on high alert.