Centre Declares Red Fort Blast a Terror Incident; Probe Reveals ‘Jaish Link’ and Telegram Chats

Days after a car blast near Delhi’s Red Fort killed at least 10 people and injured over 20, the Centre has officially termed the November 10 explosion a “terror incident”. As investigators dig deeper, new details have emerged linking the attack to the Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and a busted module in Faridabad.

Centre confirms terror angle

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday called the Red Fort explosion a “heinous terror incident perpetrated by anti-national forces.”
“The Cabinet reiterates India’s unwavering commitment to a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” a government statement said after Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security.

Planned attack or panic explosion?

Investigators are still determining whether the blast was a planned terror strike or a panic-triggered detonation after police closed in on the Faridabad module. Officials suspect the explosion may have occurred prematurely, killing Dr Umar Un Nabi, the car’s driver and prime suspect, whose DNA has since been confirmed at the site.

Telegram chats reveal ‘clear Jaish angle’

Digital forensics from the seized phones of arrested doctors have revealed encrypted Telegram chats with alleged Jaish handlers in Pakistan.
“An initial analysis of the arrested persons’ digital devices shows that they were in touch with their Jaish terror handlers in Pakistan through Telegram,” a senior official told Hindustan Times on condition of anonymity.

Arrested doctors under lens

Among those arrested are Dr Muzammil Shakeel Ganaie, Dr Shaheen Shahid, and Dr Adeel Rather, all allegedly part of the Faridabad terror cell linked to JeM and Al-Falah University. The group reportedly sourced and stored large quantities of ammonium nitrate and explosives.

Shaheen’s ex-husband recounts past

Dr Shaheen Shahid’s ex-husband, ophthalmologist Dr Zafar Hayat, said he was stunned by her alleged involvement.
“Shaheen often talked about moving abroad, but I never imagined she would take such a path,” he said. The couple, married in 2003, divorced in 2015.

Turkey visit under scrutiny

Investigators have also confirmed that Dr Umar Un Nabi and Dr Muzammil Ganaie travelled to Turkey in 2022, where they allegedly met with handlers. Agencies are probing whether this visit played a role in planning the attack.

Authorities continue to trace the remaining members of the network as the probe expands across multiple states.