What Do Signal Chats and Weapon Trails Reveal About the Terror Module in Delhi?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Encrypted communications are pivotal in revealing the structure of the terror module.
- The investigation has uncovered a clear hierarchy among the operatives.
- Weapons were systematically managed and distributed within the network.
- Financial support was primarily handled by a group of doctors.
- The ongoing inquiry emphasizes the need for heightened national security measures.
New Delhi, Nov 17 (NationPress) Encrypted communications and the trajectories of weaponry have uncovered a well-structured inner circle within the terror module associated with Dr. Umar Muhammad, who was behind the wheel of the i20 vehicle that detonated near Delhi's Red Fort, resulting in at least 13 fatalities and injuring numerous others, as per investigators.
As revealed by official sources, Umar established an encrypted Signal group approximately three months ago, utilizing a title embedded with special characters to elude detection.
He is believed to have included Muzammil, Adil Rather, Muzaffar Rather, and Maulvi Irfan Ahmad Waghe in this channel, which served as the central hub for internal communications.
A significant breakthrough in the investigation occurred with the seizure of an assault rifle and a pistol from Dr. Shaheen Shahid's car. Authorities suspect that Umar acquired these firearms and handed them over to Irfan sometime in 2024.
Shaheen had previously encountered these weapons during a visit to Irfan's quarters with Muzammil and is thought to have contributed a substantial amount of funding to support the module's activities.
According to sources, the evidence indicates an evident hierarchy and distribution of responsibilities. The financial backing was chiefly overseen by the three doctors, with Dr. Muzammil playing a pivotal role.
Irfan was responsible for recruiting Kashmiri youths and is believed to have facilitated the recruitment of two apprehended individuals -- Arif Nisar Dar alias Sahil and Yasir ul Ashraf.
Investigators have also chronicled various instances of weapon movement. In October 2023, Adil and Umar visited Irfan at Masjid Ali, carrying a rifle concealed in a bag, and later departed after cleaning its barrel.
A month later, Adil returned to Irfan's residence with a rifle. Muzammil and Shaheen also arrived at the same location that day. The weapon was reportedly stored with Irfan, and Adil came back the next morning to retrieve it, sources indicated.
The findings suggest a synchronized network functioning through encrypted platforms, involving systematic fundraising, targeted recruitment, and meticulous weapon management.
This network is connected to the Faridabad terror module, which was uncovered on November 9, when police confiscated 2,900 kg of explosives and ammunition from rented premises associated with Muzammil, a doctor affiliated with Al Falah University.
Umar, another doctor linked with Al Falah University, was driving the vehicle that exploded near the Red Fort on November 10, igniting a comprehensive investigation into the module's operations. Law enforcement has since intensified their search for all individuals affiliated with the network.
Further inquiries are ongoing.