Nearly two weeks after the devastating car blast near the Red Fort in Delhi claimed at least 15 lives, security agencies are unraveling a sophisticated terror network dubbed the “white collar terror module.” The investigation has shifted focus to Faridabad, Haryana, where a massive haul of explosives was first retrieved and where key accused maintained deep links with Al Falah University.
The probe confirms that several individuals connected to the terror plot, including Dr. Umar Un Nabi, who drove the explosive-laden car, were faculty members at the university’s medical college.
Medical Professionals and Terror Funding
The core of the module appears to be highly educated professionals. The five doctors initially accused were instrumental in financing the terror strikes, reportedly raising a fund of ₹26 lakh.
- Dr. Muzammil Ganaie, a main accused, told the National Investigation Agency (NIA) that the group spent nearly two years meticulously procuring explosives and remote-triggering devices.
- So far, three doctors—Dr. Ganaie, Shaheen Shahid, and Adeel Rather—have been arrested.
- Authorities are actively searching for two other suspects: Rather’s brother, Muzaffar, who is believed to be in Afghanistan, and Nissar ul-Hassan, a colleague of the arrested doctors at Al-Falah Medical College.
University Under Scrutiny
The Faridabad-based Al Falah University has now fallen under intense regulatory and investigative scrutiny.
- Old Terror Links: The university’s connections to terror are not new. Indian Mujahideen (IM) fugitive Mirza Shadab Baig, wanted for a series of 2008 explosions and carrying a ₹1 lakh reward, was a former student who completed his B.Tech there in 2007. Investigators are now probing fresh links between Baig and the recent Red Fort blast case.
- Money Laundering: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a money laundering probe against the university’s founder, alleging he generated over ₹415 crore in “dishonestly” obtained funds. The ED claims the funds were proceeds of crime generated by misleading students with false claims of NAAC accreditation and UGC recognition.
- Minority Status Risk: The National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI) has issued a show-cause notice to the university. Following the link between the institution and the blast suspects, the university registrar and the Principal Secretary of the Haryana education department have been summoned for a hearing on December 4 to explain why its minority status should not be withdrawn.
Tragic Explosion During Probe
The investigation was marred by tragedy last week when an accidental explosion occurred at the Nowgam Police Station in Jammu and Kashmir. The explosives, which were part of the haul retrieved from Faridabad, detonated during sample collection by forensic and police officials, killing nine people.
The unfolding case highlights a deeply concerning network where educated, financially savvy individuals allegedly utilized professional institutions to finance and execute sophisticated terror plots.