Security agencies investigating the devastating Red Fort blast have uncovered a sophisticated terror network with direct links to foreign handlers operating from Afghanistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The November 10 explosion that killed at least 12 people has revealed a widespread militant module with international connections.
The Foreign Connection
Investigators have identified at least three key handlers believed to be coordinating operations from across the border. Faisal Ishfaq Bhat and Dr Ukasha are currently located in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Afghanistan respectively, while a third handler identified as Hashim has been communicating with local operatives through encrypted Telegram messages.
The probe has led to the freezing of bank accounts containing over Rs 2 lakh, with authorities meticulously tracking digital trails of calls, chats, and fund transfer routes. The investigation has expanded from a local propaganda case to uncovering a trans-state militant network with international backing.
From Posters to Terror Plot
The case initially began last month when threatening posters bearing Jaish-e-Mohammad insignia appeared across various locations on October 19. The investigation led to the arrest of three men from Nowgam - Yasir-ul-Ashraf, Arif Nisar, and Maqsood Ahmad Dar - who admitted to creating and distributing the propaganda material.
During interrogation, it emerged that Arif was active on a Telegram group operated by Pakistan-based JeM handler Hanzulla alias Umer bin Khattab. The common link between all three arrested individuals was cleric Maulvi Irfan Ahmad Wagay, whose subsequent arrest on October 27 revealed the network's deeper connections.
Wagay confessed to handling weapons, including a pistol and grenade procured from Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat, an Ansar Gazwat-ul-Hind terrorist from Chanapora. More significantly, he revealed his communication with foreign handlers Hashim and Ishfaq through Telegram.
The Medical Connection and Final Blast
Wagay's disclosure about meeting Dr Muzammil Ahmad Ganai at a Faridabad hospital two years earlier opened a new dimension to the investigation. This led authorities to a group of doctors allegedly preparing for terror attacks across multiple cities including Faridabad, Saharanpur, and Nuh.
The investigation chain continued with the arrest of Zameer Ahmad from Ganderbal on October 27, who was part of Telegram groups like "Farzandan-e-Darul Uloom Deoband" and "Kafila-e-Ghurba." Zameer admitted to handling money drops, weapon consignments, and terrorist facilitation in coordination with Wagay.
Dr Ganai's arrest on October 29 revealed multiple Telegram identities and connections to other arrested individuals including Dr Adeel Ahmad Rathar and the eventual bomber, Dr Umar Nabi. Ganai confirmed the group's communication with foreign handlers and revealed they had "raised large funds for the cause through multiple channels."
Despite efforts to locate Umar Nabi after Dr Ganai's detention, he remained elusive until November 10 when CCTV cameras captured his white Hyundai i20 entering a parking zone near Red Fort at 3:19 pm. The vehicle remained stationed for hours before moving into heavy traffic at 6:48 pm, when the massive explosion occurred.
Forensic analysis confirmed the device contained ammonium nitrate, potassium compounds, and TATP - a highly explosive combination capable of producing extraordinary destructive force. The investigation continues to unravel the complete network and its international connections.
