NIA Investigates Three Al-Falah University Doctors Connected to Delhi Red Fort Suicide Bombing

New Delhi:

Investigators have detained three additional doctors from Al-Falah University in Faridabad as the investigation into the explosion near Delhi's Red Fort intensifies. The university has become the focus of attention after three doctors affiliated with the institution were implicated in suspected terrorist activities, including yesterday's devastating blast that resulted in nine fatalities and over 20 injuries. The National Investigation Agency, India's premier counter-terrorism organization, has now assumed responsibility for investigating the explosion that has shocked the country.

Delhi Police Crime Branch officials arrived at the university campus this morning to examine CCTV footage and interview personnel to collect information regarding three doctors whose names have emerged during their investigation into the substantial explosives seizure in Faridabad and the subsequent deadly explosion.

The three doctors under investigation are identified as Muzammil Shakeel, Umar Mohammed, and Shaheen Shahid. Investigators have determined that Muzammil and Umar are from Kashmir, while Shaheen hails from Lucknow. All three were employed as senior medical practitioners at the university hospital complex.

Muzammil's name surfaced during the investigation following the discovery of approximately 2,900 kg of bomb-making materials and other suspicious items recovered from two rooms he had rented in Faridabad. Notably, he maintained these accommodations despite having residence on the university campus.

In addition to these locations, assault rifles and ammunition were discovered in a vehicle belonging to Muzammil's colleague at Al-Falah University, Shaheen Shahid. The investigation revealed that Shahid was tasked with establishing the Indian branch of Jamaat ul-Mominaat, the women's division of Jaish-e-Mohammed. This newly formed terrorist cell is reportedly headed by Sadia Azhar, sister of Jaish founder Masood Azhar.

Shortly following the Faridabad seizure and reports of a thwarted terror plot, the lethal explosion near the Red Fort occurred. As security agencies began connecting evidence, Umar Mohammed's name emerged. Investigators believe Umar, who also worked at Al-Falah and was closely associated with Muzammil, may have been operating the Hyundai i20 vehicle that exploded at a traffic signal. Authorities are investigating whether Umar decided to execute a suicide attack following security agencies' crackdown on Muzammil and the significant explosives recovery.