The investigation into the Red Fort blast case has entered a crucial phase as Jammu and Kashmir Police intensified their crackdown on the suspected “white collar” terror network. In a significant development on Saturday, the State Investigation Agency (SIA) detained a Pulwama resident believed to be part of the wider conspiracy linked to the November 10 blast in Delhi that claimed 10 lives. The arrest marks yet another step in uncovering the network of educated operatives and professionals who allegedly played hidden roles behind the scenes.
How Police Cracked the ‘White Collar’ Terror Module?
The Jammu and Kashmir Police have detained another suspect in the expanding probe connected to the Red Fort blast case. The State Investigation Agency (SIA) arrested Tufail Niyaz Bhat, an electrician from Pulwama, after investigators found strong leads suggesting that he played a part in the “white collar” terror module responsible for the attack.
Officials said that Bhat was picked up during the latest round of searches and was taken for detailed questioning. A local CID officer told Hindustan Times that investigators uncovered tangible proof of Bhat’s involvement in planning the blast. Agencies are now assessing how deeply he was connected to the wider network.
“White Collar” Module Exposed
The police uncovered the module unexpectedly after posters threatening security forces appeared across walls in Nowgam in mid-October. A focused investigation began under Dr GV Sundeep Chakravarthy, Senior Superintendent of Police (Srinagar), who led the operation.
CCTV footage provided the breakthrough that helped the Srinagar Police identify and arrest the first three suspects — Arif Nisar Dar alias Sahil, Yasir ul Ashraf, and Maqsood Ahmad Dar alias Shahid. Their interrogation opened the trail to a bigger network.
Key Arrests & Expanding Links in Red Fort Blast
After questioning the trio, the police arrested Maulvi Irfan Ahmad, a former paramedic who later became an Imam. He is accused of supplying the posters and influencing medical professionals who were part of the network.
The investigation then shifted to Al Falah University in Faridabad, where two more suspects — Dr Muzzafar Ganaie and Dr Shaheen Sayeed — were taken into custody. Police also recovered 2,900 kg of explosive material, marking one of the largest seizures linked to a terror plot.
According to investigators, the core group behind the module consisted mainly of highly educated individuals, including three doctors: Ganaie, Umar Nabi, who drove the explosives-laden vehicle that detonated near the Red Fort, and Muzzaffar Rather, who is currently absconding.
NIA Takes Over Key Conspirators
On Thursday, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) formally arrested four primary conspirators, raising the total number of arrests to six. Those arrested include:
- Dr Muzammil Shakeel Ganai from Pulwama
- Dr Adeel Ahmed Rather from Anantnag
- Dr Shaheen Saeed from Lucknow
- Mufti Irfan Ahmad Wagay from Shopian
These suspects had earlier been detained by J&K Police and were later transferred into NIA custody under production warrants issued by a Patiala House Court judge. The court granted 10 days of NIA custody after the agency sought 15 days to question the accused.
Ongoing Investigation
The arrests highlight how a network of professionals allegedly played covert roles in the planning and execution of the Red Fort blast. With more suspects under the scanner, the investigation continues to widen as agencies work to dismantle the entire module.
