The investigation by Jammu and Kashmir Police into the display of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) posters in the Nowgam area of Srinagar has unearthed a complex inter-state white-collar terror network. This network, which includes doctors and other professionals linked to their overseers in Pakistan, came into the spotlight following a tragic car explosion near Delhi's Red Fort that resulted in the deaths of 10 individuals and injured 20 more. The timeline of events reveals how a seemingly isolated incident escalated into a serious national security threat.
On October 19, police initiated their investigation by apprehending Irfan Ahmed, a cleric from Shopian, along with a paramedic from the Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar. Irfan was instrumental in radicalizing the doctors involved in the network. His interrogation yielded vital information, including the use of sophisticated encrypted communication systems designed to elude security forces.
By November 5, investigators tracked down Dr. Adil Rather in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, based on leads from Irfan and evidence obtained from Nowgam's CCTV footage. Dr. Rather provided alarming insights into the terror plot, including the storage location of explosive materials in Faridabad and details about key accomplices, such as Dr. Muzammil Shakeel and Dr. Shaheen Shaheed.
On November 8, Dr. Shakeel was arrested at Al Falah University, and as police delved deeper, they discovered an AK-47 rifle in Dr. Adil's locker, raising alarms about the group's readiness for violence. Subsequent questioning of both Dr. Rather and Dr. Shakeel led to the shocking recovery of approximately 2,900 grams of ammonium nitrate, a chemical widely known for its use in explosive construction, found in Dr. Shakeel's residence.
The probe subsequently revealed Dr. Umar Nabi as the primary suspect in the bombing, along with connections to the terror group. The investigation continued to unravel with Dr. Shaheen's arrest, identified as a leader within JeM's women's faction, highlighting the diverse involvement of this terror module.
On November 10, the investigation reached a critical point when a car bomb detonated near the Red Fort in Delhi, attributed to Dr. Umar, who fled the scene following the arrest of his associates. Investigators managed to gather evidence, including CCTV footage that traced the explosion back to him.
The situation intensified on November 11 when security agencies expanded their inquiry into the wider inter-state terror scheme, leading to the arrest of six new suspects from Pulwama. These developments suggest the significant scope and complexity of the terror network that operated across state lines, revealing the extent of its infiltration into various professional sectors.
The complete sequence of events from the initial poster discovery to the horrifying car explosion underscores how a seemingly minor incident has unfolded into a massive and well-organized terror network. This case is distinguished by the involvement of medical professionals, sophisticated communication techniques, and direct links to handlers in Pakistan, marking a worrying trend in regional security dynamics.