The Delhi Red Fort Blast: How Systemic Failures and Criminal Networks Enabled Terrorism in India

The Delhi car blast investigation grows increasingly complex with each passing day. Recently, authorities detained a 'maulvi' from Mewar in Haryana who had stored approximately 2,500 kg of ammonium nitrate in a room rented to Dr. Muzzamil Ganai, a highly radicalized individual. During his arrest, Maulvi Ishtiaq was heard begging for his rent payment to support his family. Though seemingly an unlikely terrorist, he nevertheless functioned as a small but crucial part in a dangerous terrorist apparatus.

Terrorism tends to involve diverse participants beyond just fervent radicals. This includes criminals, religious brotherhood members, and even individuals within government systems. Terrorists thrive in corrupt environments where regulatory oversight can be circumvented for a price. Consider how the terrorist cell easily acquired explosives from Nuh and neighboring areas like Saharanpur. Despite PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization) establishing strict regulations on ammonium nitrate sales following its use in the 2011 Mumbai attacks and 2012 Pune bakery explosion, the group managed to accumulate 20 quintals of NPK fertilizer by posing as farmers. This highlights significant failures in bureaucratic oversight where sellers disregarded regulations and government inspectors either missed violations or deliberately ignored them.

Al Falah University represents another systemic failure that enabled these doctors to develop and plan their terrorist activities over a two-year period. The university's founder, Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui, operated an extensive corporate network with connections to nine registered companies, all linked through the Al-Falah Charitable Trust that manages the university, sharing a single registered address in Okhla, New Delhi. This arrangement bears hallmarks of classic money laundering operations, a problem not uncommon among privately owned educational institutions. Recently, the Enforcement Directorate investigated multiple locations regarding money laundering allegations against Monad University in Hapur, while another fake degree scheme was uncovered at a university in Shikohabad, Uttar Pradesh. The University Grants Commission has identified 22 fraudulent universities across India, with Delhi and Uttar Pradesh having the highest numbers. These systemic weaknesses provide opportunities for various criminal enterprises.

Open criminal networks also contribute to the problem. Certain areas like Nuh and parts of Faridabad are widely recognized as "no-go zones" with minimal police presence. Nuh has emerged as a significant cybercrime hub following the arrest of approximately 65 individuals. Similarly, Alwar district has seen around 26,000 cybercrime cases filed, many involving young men in their twenties. These locations naturally harbor criminals and, interestingly, share historical connections to British-era "Thuggees." Following the Delhi attack, police initiated a crackdown on organized crime in these and other districts, targeting weapons smuggling and narcotics operations. Such criminal centers attract terrorists seeking explosives and weapons, indicating prior knowledge of these networks. An ordinary citizen would find it extremely difficult to acquire a revolver, let alone an assault rifle. Similar criminal centers exist throughout India, including parts of Kerala, where flourishing narcotics trade combines with strong radical ideologies. Areas like Kannur and Kasargod have sent numerous individuals to fight in Syria and are known for criminal activities with historical gold smuggling connections to Middle Eastern crime bosses. Today, these networks also include narcotics trafficking to Gulf states.

The connection between radicalism and these criminal networks may appear tenuous, but the movement of goods and ideologies makes these areas extremely dangerous. Such critical zones must be identified nationwide and addressed, learning from the Nuh incident in late 2023, where criminals exploited communal tensions to burn down a police station containing their records.

It's essential to recognize that the ideology followed by the "doctor module" is entirely foreign to India and particularly to Kashmir. A deliberate effort must be made not only to restore traditional belief systems—which in Kashmir remains predominantly syncretic Sufism—but also to encourage Islamic learning centers to adapt to contemporary realities. This presents challenges for "book religions" that adhere strictly to written texts without allowing interpretation. Nevertheless, institutions like the Darul Uloom in Deoband, Uttar Pradesh must engage in this process. Notably, Uttar Pradesh supplies Kashmir with maulvis and scholars, making their support crucial. Other institutions such as Jamia Nizamia in Hyderabad (established in 1872) and universities like Jamia Islamia should participate in discussions about change that genuinely benefits the Muslim community, drawing inspiration from modernization initiatives in countries like Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, the majority community must understand that mocking Islam and threatening other faiths undermines India rather than strengthening it.

The terrorist incident must be viewed within the broader context of youth rebellions often labeled as "revolutions." There exists a general distrust in the system and a perception that the ruling elite are disconnected from the populace, especially young people. This growing disillusionment requires acknowledgment in governance approaches, with specific projects needed to engage youth in community-building activities that foster empowerment.

Ultimately, addressing this disenchantment at the grassroots level is essential. This requires transforming the complacency prevalent in local government, ensuring councilors and legislators remain accountable to their constituents. Currently, this seems like an impossible task, but it represents the definitive solution not only for combating radicalism but for strengthening national security during these perilous times.

As for the immediate situation, authorities should remain vigilant for a potential woman bomber, as all indicators suggest this possibility.

(Dr Tara Kartha is a former Director, National Security Council Secretariat)

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author