Three Doctors from Kashmir Under Investigation for Red Fort Blast Linked to Nine Fatalities

In a significant turn of events regarding the Red Fort blast incident, three Kashmiri doctors — Adeel Ahmad Rather, Muzammil Shakeel, and Umar Mohammed — have come under scrutiny for their purported connection to the catastrophic explosion that claimed nine lives and left over 20 individuals injured on Monday evening.

Security agencies report that the apprehension of Adeel Ahmad Rather from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, and Muzammil Shakeel from Faridabad, Haryana, led to the discovery of approximately 2,900 kg of bomb-making substances, suspected to be ammonium nitrate, similar to that used in the Red Fort car blast.

The Incident Near Red Fort

The explosion occurred around 6:52 PM when a white Hyundai i20 detonated at a traffic signal near Netaji Subhash Marg, close to Red Fort and Chandni Chowk. Eyewitnesses described a "massive fireball", as multiple vehicles caught fire. Firefighters took nearly half an hour to bring the blaze under control amidst escalating panic in central Delhi.

In response, security agencies rapidly initiated a coordinated probe, tracing the car’s ownership across several individuals — from Salman to Devender, Aamir, Tariq, and ultimately Dr. Umar Mohammed, who is believed to have been operating the vehicle during the incident. CCTV footage reportedly reveals Umar just moments prior to the explosion, leading to a DNA test being ordered for identity confirmation.

Possible Terror Links and Ongoing Investigation

While officials have not conclusively classified it as a terror event, a case has been lodged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is anticipated to take the lead in the investigation.

Sources indicate that Umar, alarmed by his associates' arrests and the confiscation of explosives, may have been driven to execute a suicide attack. The inquiry has also uncovered links to Jaish-e-Mohammad, with pro-group posters discovered in Srinagar weeks ahead of the explosion.

‘White Collar Terror Ecosystem’

Investigators emphasize this incident as emblematic of a new breed of radicalization — a “white-collar terror ecosystem” in which educated professionals, including doctors, are targeted for extremist recruitment. These networks are purportedly utilizing encrypted communication channels for financial transactions and operational coordination.

Funds have reportedly been collected under the pretext of social and charitable initiatives, with the accused managing recruitment, logistics, and procurement of arms and IED materials.

A Disturbing Change

All three doctors held reputable positions prior to their arrests — Adeel was affiliated with Government Medical College, Anantnag; Muzammil served as a senior resident at Al Falah Medical College; and Umar had connections to local hospitals. Their suspected involvement highlights a troubling trend in terror recruitment, focusing on the educated elite.

Authorities continue to carry out extensive raids across various states as the investigation expands to reveal deeper networks linked to the Red Fort blast.