Medical Professional by Day, Terrorist Leader by Night: Dr Shaheen Saeed's Double Life in Delhi Red Fort Attack

Dr Shaheena Saeed's ID card from the Al-Falah institute in Faridabad.

New Delhi:

Dr Shaheen Saeed, a primary suspect in the Delhi Red Fort blast investigation, reportedly told colleagues that her 'real work' only began after 4 pm when she finished her duties at the Al-Falah School of Medical Sciences and Research Centre in Faridabad, according to sources who spoke with NDTV on Thursday.

Investigators revealed that Saeed routinely carried a misbaha (Islamic rosary) and a hadith book containing Prophet Muhammad's teachings.

An anonymous colleague described Saeed's behavior as "strange," noting that she frequently disregarded institutional protocols and would leave without notification. The Al-Falah institute, currently under a show-cause notice from the NAAC, has publicly distanced itself from the attack and pledged full cooperation with authorities while affirming its "unwavering commitment to national security."

Intelligence officials recently identified Saeed as the leader of the women's wing of Jaish-e-Mohammed, the Pakistan-based terrorist organization believed to be operating this particular cell. JeM has previously claimed responsibility for major attacks including the 2001 Parliament assault and the 2019 Pulwama incident.

Saeed, a resident of Lucknow's Lal Bagh, was apprehended on Monday, shortly before the fourth member of their terror cell—later identified through DNA testing as Umar Mohammad—detonated an explosive-laden Hyundai i20 near the Red Fort, killing himself and 13 others.

According to intelligence sources, Saeed previously served as Head of Pharmacology at Kanpur Medical College before being transferred to Kannauj Medical College.

Two additional suspects—Dr Mujammil Shakeel and Dr Adil Ahmad Rather—were arrested before Saeed, highlighting a concerning "white-collar terrorist" dimension to the investigation.

At least two vehicles connected to the terror plot have been traced to Saeed: a Maruti Swift Dzire, in which police discovered an assault rifle and ammunition, and a Maruti Brezza that investigators believe may have been intended as an alternative bomb delivery vehicle had the terror cell not been identified.

Sources indicated that Saeed personally drove the Brezza, while Shakeel primarily used the Dzire. Nearly 3,000 kg of explosive materials were recovered from Shakeel's residence.

The investigation reveals an alarming plan for multiple coordinated bomb attacks across the National Capital Region and other parts of India. Sources claim that 32 cars were potentially involved in this plot, though it remains unclear whether all vehicles were intended to deliver explosives.

The Brezza appears to have been designated as the group's escape vehicle.

A fourth vehicle, a red Ford EcoSport, was found abandoned on Wednesday. Forensic analysis detected trace amounts of explosive materials, suggesting it was used to transport chemicals, including ammonium nitrate fuel oil, used in the i20 bomb.

With input from agencies

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