Family Shocked: Brother and Ex-Husband Struggle to Accept Doctor's Alleged Terror Links in Delhi Red Fort Bombing

Mohammed Shoaib has expressed profound disbelief regarding allegations connecting his sister, Dr. Shaheen Sayeed, to terrorist activities. The family continues struggling to reconcile these claims with the person they knew.

According to her former husband, during their marriage, she never wore a burqa, was devoted to their children, and had aspirations to relocate abroad for better opportunities.

Speaking with PTI Videos in Lucknow following the deadly blast near Delhi's Red Fort that claimed 12 lives and injured approximately 20 others, Shoaib mentioned that while police and Anti-Terrorism Squad officials had visited their residence, they conducted their investigation respectfully.

"They searched the premises and questioned us normally, similar to how you're interviewing me now," Shoaib stated. "Neither my father nor I experienced harsh treatment. There was no coercion to extract statements. They simply inquired about when my sister stopped visiting us."

Shoaib revealed that he and his sister had not communicated for four years. "We've had no contact whatsoever. It's been four years since our last conversation," he said, though noting that his parents occasionally checked on her wellbeing.

"Parents naturally call their children to inquire about their welfare. As her elder brother, I certainly worried about her. Isn't that normal?" he added.

When questioned about visiting her residence near IIM Road in Lucknow, Shoaib responded negatively. "No, I've never been there. I only knew she had accommodation somewhere along IIM Road. I'm not even aware of the precise location," he explained.

Shoaib firmly denied having any suspicions about her activities. "Even during her medical studies, there was never any indication of involvement in questionable activities. I still cannot accept these allegations. As previously stated, I simply cannot believe it," he maintained.

Meanwhile, Dr. Zafar Hayat, Shaheen's ex-husband, told PTI Videos in Kanpur that he only learned about her alleged involvement in the case the previous evening.

Hayat shared that their marriage occurred in November 2003, with both pursuing separate medical careers, he being her senior colleague. "Our divorce was finalized in late 2012. I'm uncertain what prompted her decision. We never experienced any conflicts or disagreements. She was a loving and caring individual," he recounted.

He added that they had no communication following the divorce. "I never suspected she could be involved in such activities. She was deeply attached to her family and children, loved them immensely, and prioritized their education," Hayat remarked.

Reflecting on their marriage, he noted that Shaheen never wore a burqa except during wedding ceremonies. "I had never seen her in a burqa. I have no knowledge about her alleged terrorist connections being reported now. Our divorce happened long ago in 2012, and if she became involved in something subsequently, I'm completely unaware," he stated, adding that he had only recently discovered she was in India.

Additionally, Hayat told reporters that during their marriage, she never displayed any inclination toward extremist ideologies. He mentioned they once discussed relocating to Australia or Europe for improved salary and quality of life.

"However, I responded that we already enjoyed a comfortable life here, with good employment and children. Our relatives and social connections are here; we would feel isolated abroad," the ophthalmologist explained.

According to investigators, Shaheen Shahid, a physician associated with Al-Falah University in Faridabad, was among those arrested following Monday's explosion near the Red Fort. Authorities suspect she was connected to Dr. Muzammil Ganaie, another faculty member at the same institution, allegedly part of a "white-collar terror module" with connections to banned organizations Jaish-e-Mohammed and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind.

Officials stated that the network, spanning Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, was discovered after seizing 2,900 kilograms of explosives and arresting eight individuals, including three doctors from Al-Falah University. Investigators claim that Shaheen headed Jaish-e-Mohammed's women's recruitment division, Jamaat-ul-Mominat, in India.

On Tuesday, her father Syed Ahmad Ansari told reporters he was "shocked" by allegations of her involvement. "I last communicated with Shaheen approximately a month ago. She never mentioned Dr. Muzammil or anyone engaged in such activities," he stated, noting that his daughter completed her medical education in Allahabad (now Prayagraj).

The investigation into the Red Fort blast, which police attribute to a high-intensity explosive device planted in a vehicle, is being conducted by the National Investigation Agency.

Law enforcement agencies in Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, alongside their specialized units, are also investigating this multi-state network.