Uncovering the Medical Terror Network: How a Jaish Poster in Srinagar Led to Delhi Blast Plot Discovery

On October 19, Jaish posters appeared at multiple locations in Bunpora Nowgam, Srinagar, triggering an investigation that would eventually uncover a sophisticated terror network.

New Delhi:

During the ongoing investigation into the Delhi blast, authorities have revealed the significant poster from Srinagar that led to the discovery of a network of medical professionals connected to the terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed. In October, Dr. Adeel Ahmad Rather, one of the arrested physicians, was captured on surveillance placing a poster that threatened major attacks against security personnel and non-locals in Kashmir.

The poster, originally written in Urdu, contained a threatening message: "I hope you all are well and will act on what we have conveyed to you. We have been watching for some time but you are involved in the same sins. Therefore, we want to say that you should stop doing what you are doing against the Shariah, otherwise our action will be severe."

This message functioned as a public ultimatum for people to conform to their ideology or face consequences.

On October 19, these Jaish posters were discovered at various sites around Bunpora Nowgam. Authorities immediately registered a case under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Explosive Substances Act, and the Arms Act, launching a comprehensive investigation.

According to the Jammu and Kashmir police statement, "The investigation has revealed a white-collar terror ecosystem, involving radicalised professionals and students in contact with foreign handlers, operating from Pakistan and other countries."

The first breakthrough occurred in Saharanpur when authorities analyzed CCTV recordings from areas where the Jaish posters had been displayed in Srinagar. Police identified Dr. Adeel Ahmad Rather, who had previously worked at the Government Medical College in Anantnag until October last year before relocating to Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh.

Adeel was apprehended on October 27, and investigators discovered an assault rifle hidden in his locker at the Government Medical College.

The investigation trail led from Jammu and Kashmir to Uttar Pradesh and then to Haryana, where authorities identified Dr. Muzammil Shakeel, another physician working at Al-Falah Medical College in Faridabad. While Dr. Muzammil resided on campus, he had also maintained two additional residences outside the college grounds.

The Jammu and Kashmir police, collaborating with Haryana law enforcement, conducted raids on these properties and discovered 12 suitcases filled with explosive material, suspected to be ammonium nitrate.

In total, authorities seized approximately 2,900 kg of explosives.

The arrests of Dr. Adeel and Dr. Muzammil, close associates of Dr. Umar Mohammad who also worked at Al-Falah University, are believed to have precipitated the Delhi blast that occurred on November 10.