Delhi Red Fort Blast Probe Exposes ‘Doctor Jihad’ Network: NIA Arrests Four More Linked to JeM’s Radicalized Doctors and Engineers Module

New Delhi | November 24, 2025 — In a major escalation of India’s counter-terrorism crackdown, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested four more suspects in the Delhi Red Fort car bomb blast case, uncovering a disturbing network of radicalized doctors and engineers allegedly connected to Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

The November 10 blast — a premature explosion triggered near the Red Fort entrance — claimed 15 lives and injured more than 30, shaking the Capital and prompting a nationwide intelligence overhaul.

The Blast: A Failed Suicide Attack That Saved Delhi From Mass Casualties

On November 10, a white Maruti Swift Dzire packed with ANFO (ammonium nitrate-fuel oil) exploded prematurely near the Red Fort, killing the suspected bomber and 14 others. The NIA described it as a botched VBIED (vehicle-borne IED) meant for a larger mass-casualty attack.

• 32 people injured, several critically
• Bomb was assembled using ammonium nitrate sourced from Faridabad
• Blast triggered early due to pressure from police raids on the module

The Home Ministry transferred the case to the NIA on November 11 under the UAPA.
“This was a calculated strike on India’s sovereignty,” a senior NIA official said.

Rise of the ‘Doctor Jihad’ Network: Radicalization Inside Hospitals

NIA investigators have uncovered what they call the ‘Doctor Jihad’ Network — a covert JeM-backed system using Kashmir’s hospitals, medical colleges, and engineering circles to recruit young professionals.

New Arrests (November 20):

• Dr. Muzammil Ahmad Ganai (32), Pulwama
  • Received 42 bomb-making videos via Telegram/Signal disguised as medical tutorials
  • Alumnus of Al-Falah Medical College, Faridabad
• Adeel Majeed Rather (28), Qazigund
  • Provided drone modification expertise
• Jasir Bilal Wani (35), Srinagar
  • Involved in rocket prototyping for the module
• Fourth suspect (unnamed), Lucknow cleric
  • Facilitated ideological brainwashing inside hospitals

Earlier Arrests:

• Umar Un Nabi — assistant professor at Al-Falah University, the alleged bomber who died in the blast
• Amir Rashid Ali, Pampore — helped register the vehicle
• Shaheen Saeed, woman doctor
• Additional Saharanpur-based associate

A pen drive recovered from Nabi contained self-confession videos justifying the attack as “retaliation for Kashmir.”

Network Modus Operandi

• JeM operatives infiltrated hospitals posing as staff or patients
• Radicalization done via encrypted messaging apps
• Engineering experts provided technical input
• 2,900 kg explosive stock recovered from Faridabad in earlier raids

“These are white-collar jihadists — doctors by day, bomb-makers by night,” the NIA source said.

ED’s Parallel Investigation: ₹415 Crore Fraud at Al-Falah University Linked to Terror Funding

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, President of Al-Falah University (Faridabad), in a separate probe exposing a ₹415.10 crore money-laundering scam.

Key Findings

• University falsely claimed NAAC/UGC recognition (2018–2025)
• Student fees diverted into shell firms run by Siddiqui’s family
• Funds layered through construction & catering contracts
• At least ₹100 crore routed through hawala to JeM handlers

Seizures

• ₹48 lakh cash
• 15 digital devices
• Documents showing laundering patterns

“This fraud was not just corruption — it financed bombs,” an ED official said.

UP Cracks Down on Madrasas: Mandatory ATS Reporting After Blast

Following intel linked to JeM’s radicalization channels, Uttar Pradesh has mandated all madrasas — recognized or unrecognized — to submit details of:

• Students
• Teachers
• Visiting clerics
• Outsiders using premises

The information must be sent to ATS offices within 72 hours.

Initially applied to Prayagraj Zone, the directive is now statewide.

UP Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar stated:
“This is preventive vigilance. No community is targeted — it is for security.”

Opposition parties call it discriminatory, but officials point to parallels with the Delhi network.

A New Face of Terror: Educated, Encrypted, and Embedded

The Red Fort blast investigation exposes a new threat: hybrid terrorism, where educated professionals hide behind legitimate institutions while aiding extremist outfits.

Current Status of Probe

• 73 witnesses examined
• Raids across seven states
• Digital forensics ongoing
• JeM handlers in Pakistan & Dubai identified

Prime Minister Modi’s office called for “swift, uncompromising justice.”

Enhanced NSG drills, upgraded surveillance, and multi-agency coordination are being deployed at all major heritage sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened near the Red Fort on November 10?

A white Maruti Swift Dzire packed with ANFO exploded prematurely near the Red Fort entrance. The blast killed 15 people, including the suspected bomber, and injured more than 30.

Who did the NIA arrest on November 20?

The NIA arrested four more suspects: Dr. Muzammil Ahmad Ganai, Adeel Majeed Rather, Jasir Bilal Wani and an unnamed cleric from Lucknow. They are alleged to be part of a JeM-linked module of professionals.

Which agency is investigating the Red Fort blast?

The Home Ministry transferred the case to the NIA on November 11 under the UAPA. Investigators have examined 73 witnesses and carried out raids across seven states.

What is the ED's role in the case?

The Enforcement Directorate arrested Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, President of Al-Falah University, in a separate ₹415.10 crore money-laundering probe. It alleges at least ₹100 crore was routed through hawala to JeM handlers.

What new rule has Uttar Pradesh issued for madrasas?

All madrasas, recognized or unrecognized, must send details of students, teachers, visiting clerics and outsiders using the premises to ATS offices within 72 hours. The directive began in the Prayagraj Zone and is now statewide.

How is security being tightened after the blast?

Enhanced NSG drills, upgraded surveillance and multi-agency coordination are being deployed at all major heritage sites. Digital forensics is ongoing and JeM handlers in Pakistan and Dubai have been identified.