Haryana – Intelligence agencies investigating the deadly Red Fort blast have uncovered alarming connections to Al Falah University in Haryana’s Faridabad, with at least 10 people associated with the institution now reported missing. The devastating attack, which claimed 15 lives, has been identified as Delhi’s first encounter with Vehicular-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs), marking a dangerous escalation in terror tactics targeting the national capital.
Missing Persons Raise Red Flags
According to intelligence sources, at least 10 individuals who either worked or studied at Al Falah University have disappeared, with their mobile phones turned off. Among the missing are three Kashmiris, raising significant concerns about their potential involvement in the Red Fort blast conspiracy. The university has been flagged by investigating agencies as the likely ground zero for orchestrating the terror attack that shook Delhi.
The disappearance of these 10 people was identified following a joint operation conducted by Jammu and Kashmir Police and Haryana Police. While investigators caution that it is still too early to draw definitive conclusions, intelligence inputs suggest that the missing individuals may be part of what has been termed the ‘terror doctor’ module responsible for executing the Red Fort blast.
Details of the Attack
The Red Fort blast involved a sophisticated operation where terrorists stuffed a Hyundai i20 vehicle with ammonium nitrate fuel oil (ANFO) and detonated it outside the iconic 16th century Mughal fort. This marked Delhi’s first experience with VBIEDs, a tactic that has proven devastatingly effective in other conflict zones around the world.
The vehicle explosion claimed 15 lives and caused significant damage to the historic site and surrounding areas. Officials familiar with the investigation have confirmed that the terror cell responsible for the Red Fort blast was operated by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), the Pakistan-based terrorist organization with a long history of attacks against Indian targets.
The Terror Doctor Module
The Red Fort blast investigation has revealed the involvement of what intelligence agencies call the ‘terror doctor’ module. Dr Umar Mohammad, who was driving the explosive-laden Hyundai i20, was killed in the blast itself. His role as a medical professional who turned to terrorism highlights the sophisticated nature of the recruitment and radicalization network.
Nine other individuals, including three doctors from Al Falah Medical College, have been arrested in connection with the Red Fort blast. This unprecedented involvement of medical professionals in a terror operation has sent shockwaves through security establishments and raised questions about radicalization in educational institutions.
Jaish-e-Mohammed’s Fundraising Campaign
Intelligence sources have revealed that following the Red Fort blast, Jaish-e-Mohammed has issued a call for ‘donations’ to fund more fidayeen or suicide attacks. The Pakistan-based terror group is demanding sums of PKR 20,000 (approximately Rs 6,400) from supporters to finance future operations against Indian targets.
Also Read: Al Falah Founder Arrested: Shocking Money Laundering Charges
Clues discovered during the Red Fort blast investigation suggest that Jaish leaders are conducting this fundraising campaign through digital means, including a Pakistani application called SadaPay. This modern approach to terror financing demonstrates the group’s adaptation to contemporary technology for planning and executing attacks.
Women’s Wing Connection
A particularly concerning dimension of the Red Fort blast investigation involves potential links to Jaish-e-Mohammed’s women’s wing, known as Jamat ul-Muminat. Intelligence agencies are investigating whether the terror group may be plotting a women-led attack following the success of their recent operation.
The women’s wing was established under the leadership of Sadiya Azhar, sister of Jaish terror boss Masood Azhar. This unit was created after Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the Pahalgam attack, which successfully destroyed JeM camps in Pakistan’s Bahawalpur region.
Key Suspect: Dr Shahina Saeed
One of the key suspects in the Red Fort blast is Dr Shahina Saeed, whose alleged codename was ‘Madam Surgeon.’ Intelligence sources believe she may have been responsible for financing the attack and is reportedly a member of Jaish-e-Mohammed’s women’s wing, Jamat ul-Muminat.
Dr Saeed’s involvement in the Red Fort blast represents a significant development in understanding the terror network’s structure and operational capabilities. Her alleged role in financing suggests a sophisticated support system that enabled the attack’s execution.
Arrest of University Founder
The Red Fort blast investigation took a dramatic turn with the arrest of Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, the founder of Al Falah University. Siddiqui was detained by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money laundering case linked to terror financing.
This arrest underscores the institutional nature of the support network that facilitated the Red Fort blast. Authorities are examining whether the university served as more than just a meeting ground for conspirators, potentially functioning as a center for radicalization and operational planning.
Understanding VBIED Threat
The Red Fort blast has introduced India’s capital to the terrifying reality of Vehicular-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices. VBIEDs have been used extensively in conflict zones globally, causing massive casualties and destruction due to their ability to carry large quantities of explosives and their mobility.
Officials emphasize that the Red Fort blast represents a significant evolution in terrorist tactics targeting India. The use of a common civilian vehicle—a Hyundai i20—loaded with ammonium nitrate fuel oil demonstrates both the accessibility of materials and the sophistication of planning involved.
Ongoing Investigation and Security Concerns
The Red Fort blast investigation continues to unfold, with security agencies pursuing multiple leads across different states. The joint operations between Jammu and Kashmir Police and Haryana Police have proven crucial in identifying connections and tracking suspects.
The involvement of medical professionals from a recognized educational institution has prompted a comprehensive review of security protocols at universities and colleges across the National Capital Region. Authorities are examining radicalization patterns and recruitment methods used by terrorist organizations to target educated professionals.
National Security Implications
The Red Fort blast has exposed vulnerabilities in India’s counter-terrorism framework, particularly regarding the monitoring of educational institutions and the tracking of radicalization among professionals. The case has prompted calls for enhanced surveillance of vulnerable populations and improved coordination between state and central intelligence agencies.
As investigators continue piecing together the complete picture of the Red Fort blast conspiracy, the nation remains on high alert for potential follow-up attacks. The Jaish-e-Mohammed’s fundraising campaign for future fidayeen operations suggests that the threat remains active and evolving.
The discovery of the Al Falah University connection to the Red Fort blast has opened new avenues of investigation, with authorities working to locate the 10 missing individuals and determine the full extent of the terror network’s reach. The case serves as a stark reminder of the persistent security challenges facing India and the need for constant vigilance against evolving terrorist threats.
