Detained Kanpur Cardiologist's Flatmate Reveals Normal Behavior Following Delhi Blast Investigation

Dr Abhishek denied sharing any personal relations with Dr Mohammad Arif. (Image posted on X by @ANI)

Dr Abhishek, who shared accommodation with Dr Arif, recently detained for questioning regarding the Delhi blast incident, disclosed Thursday that Dr Arif maintained normal behavior following the explosion in the capital city, with no noticeable changes in his demeanor.

During a press briefing, Dr Abhishek clarified that their relationship was purely circumstantial rather than personal. He mentioned that Arif had only shared information about his father's medical condition and never mentioned individuals named Dr Shaheen or Parvez in their conversations.

"We weren't friends. New resident doctors typically rent apartments when hospital housing isn't available. I never heard him mention Dr Shaheen or Dr Parvez. He told me his father was battling cancer. His behavior remained consistent before and after the blast. I found our flat through a broker," Dr Abhishek explained.

"I had no awareness of anything suspicious. He maintained a normal routine in our shared space. He would go to work and return to his room afterward. Our interactions were purely professional. We met after he joined the cardiology department. We decided to share accommodations due to housing limitations," he added.

The apprehension of Dr Mohammad Arif, a senior resident in the Cardiology department at Kanpur's LPS Institute of Cardiology & Cardiac Surgery, in connection with the Delhi blast investigation has stunned those who knew him.

Kanhaiya Lal, who rented property to Arif in Ashok Nagar near Fatima School, informed ANI that the doctor's conduct never aroused suspicion, despite his brief tenancy of less than a month. Lal noted that Arif did not receive visitors during his stay.

"His residence here lasted less than a month. He didn't have any visitors. Two residents occupied the space - Abhishek and Arif. Abhishek introduced Arif as his colleague from the cardiology department. Four individuals arrived to access Arif's quarters. My son inquired about their identity, and they stated they needed to collect Arif's belongings. After confirming with Arif, my son permitted them entry. Nothing about Arif's activities appeared suspicious," Lal recounted.

Dr Rakesh Verma, Director of LPS Institute of Cardiology & Cardiac Surgery in Kanpur, announced Thursday that the administration would implement comprehensive police verification for all staff members. During a press conference, Verma characterized Dr Mohammad Arif as an "exceptional student" who had achieved an "impressive rank."

Professor Dr Awadhesh Sharma stated that Dr Arif had been serving as a senior resident in DM/MCh Cardiology since August and had completed his assigned duties before departing the premises yesterday evening.

Officials reported that Mohammad Arif, a medical student, has been detained by Uttar Pradesh ATS in Kanpur due to an alleged connection with Delhi blast suspect Dr Shaheen Saeed.

Dr Shaheen Saeed was previously arrested in relation to the Faridabad arms and explosives seizure case.

On Thursday, a joint operation by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team and Delhi Police discovered human remains at New Lajpat Rai Market near the explosion site in the national capital, where twelve lives were lost.

(This report has not undergone editing by NDTV staff and is automatically generated from a syndicated source.)