Delhi Red Fort Blast Kills 8: Police Uncover “White-Collar” Terror Network Linked to Pakistan

A powerful explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort on Monday evening left eight people dead and at least 24 injured, sending shockwaves across India’s capital.
The blast occurred just hours after police busted a terror module operating across Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir,
revealing a sophisticated “white-collar” terror network involving doctors and university academics with ties to Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

Explosion Near Red Fort

Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha confirmed that the explosion took place around 6:52 p.m. when a slow-moving vehicle stopped at a red light near the Red Fort.
“An explosion occurred in that vehicle, causing extensive damage to nearby cars,” Golcha said.
The high-intensity blast triggered a nationwide alert, with security tightened in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana.

Massive Cache of Explosives Recovered

Earlier the same day, police in Faridabad, Haryana, raided an apartment and recovered a huge cache of explosive materials — including 360 kg of ammonium nitrate and an additional 2,500 kg of bomb-making chemicals.
Officers also seized an assault rifle with three magazines and 83 live rounds, alongside a pistol and several empty cartridges.

Authorities said the seized materials were part of a broader conspiracy to “spread terror across Delhi” and potentially carry out multiple high-impact attacks.

Arrests of Radicalized Doctors and Academics

Investigators arrested several individuals, including medical professionals linked to Al-Falah University and Hospital in Faridabad.
Among them was Dr. Muzammil Shakeel, a faculty member accused of hiding explosives in his rented home.
Another suspect, Dr. Adeel Ahmad Rather, had previously been detained in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, for distributing pro–Jaish-e-Mohammed posters in Srinagar.

Police also questioned a female doctor from Lucknow, Dr. Shaheen Shahid, after a rifle used by Shakeel was found in her car.
An imam named Ishtiyaq, in contact with Shakeel, was also arrested.

Links to Jaish-e-Mohammed and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind

Officials confirmed the terror module’s connection to the banned outfits Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGUH).
The group reportedly used encrypted messaging apps for recruitment, indoctrination, and fund transfers disguised as charitable contributions.
Investigators believe the group planned to manufacture hundreds of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) using nearly 2,900 kg of ammonium nitrate.

Widespread Crackdown and UAPA Charges

This bust is part of a broader anti-terror operation targeting radicalized professionals in contact with Pakistan-based handlers.
Funds were funneled through academic and social networks to support logistics, arms procurement, and recruitment.
Authorities have charged the suspects under India’s Arms Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
A manhunt continues for additional suspects believed to be part of the same terror ecosystem.

White-Collar Terrorism: A New Threat

Investigators describe this case as a disturbing rise in “white-collar terrorism,” where educated professionals—doctors, professors, and students—are manipulated into aiding terror activities.
According to the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the group used encrypted communication tools to receive instructions from Pakistan-based handlers and launder funds under the guise of social and academic initiatives.

As authorities continue their probe, Delhi remains on high alert, and counterterrorism units nationwide are working to dismantle the network that aimed to unleash chaos in India’s capital.