Could the Red Fort blasts be linked to Jaish-e-Mohammad's Faridabad module and a shifting ISI focus?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Faridabad module linked to Jaish-e-Mohammad is under investigation.
- The ISI is shifting focus from Jammu and Kashmir to urban centers.
- Radicalization efforts have involved educated individuals.
- Authorities are expanding their strategies to combat terrorism.
- Community engagement is critical in countering radicalization.
New Delhi, Nov 11 (NationPress) As the inquiry into the Delhi Red Fort blasts unfolds, investigators are increasingly convinced that the Faridabad module, recently dismantled, is responsible for the attack.
This incident highlights a strategic pivot by the ISI, which has struggled to gain ground in Jammu and Kashmir.
Authorities have determined that the focus of potential assaults will shift towards major Indian cities, moving away from Jammu and Kashmir, prompting a total overhaul of their operational strategy.
The investigation into the blast has uncovered a prolonged effort at radicalization.
Officials assert that the Faridabad module was likely behind this tragic event.
The situation escalated when Jammu and Kashmir Police apprehended a module in Faridabad, leading to the detention of Dr. Muzammil Ahmad Ganai from Pulwama, which in turn led to the arrest of Dr. Adeel Majeed Rather from Qazigund.
During this operation, authorities confiscated 358 kilograms of ammonium nitrate.
Dr. Umar Nabi is currently missing and is believed to be the individual responsible for the Red Fort bombing. CCTV footage examined by law enforcement indicates that Nabi was driving the Hyundai i20 involved in the explosion.
Another intriguing revelation from the investigation is that the module created by Jaish-e-Mohammad comprised at least four doctors, including a female physician named Shaheen Saeed from Uttar Pradesh.
She is reported to have connections with Nabi and studied alongside him at Al-Falah Medical College in Faridabad. Authorities suspect she played a role in the planning.
Shaheen was radicalized during a campaign initiated by Jaish-e-Mohammad that aimed to establish an all-women’s faction.
Investigators assert that this Jaish-e-Mohammad Faridabad module was tasked with operations across Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Evidence suggests that planning may have begun following Operation Sindoor, involving many educated individuals.
Shaheen, in particular, traveled frequently to Jammu and Kashmir and evaded detection due to her professional background. During her visits to J&K, Haryana, and UP, she interacted with numerous individuals, attempting to radicalize them. Her directive from Jaish-e-Mohammad was to ensnare youth and convince them to join the module.
The Faridabad module had intentions beyond Delhi, planning multiple attacks nationwide. For the moment, however, their current targets were focused on UP, Haryana, and Delhi.
Although investigators can confirm the module's involvement in the attack, it remains uncertain if the bomber achieved the intended objective. Some leads suggest he may have aimed to drive the vehicle into the Red Fort, while others indicate it might have been a reaction of sheer panic.
After the module's dismantling and the capture of his associates, Nabi may have triggered the explosives in a state of panic, resulting in at least eight fatalities and numerous injuries.