Investigation into Delhi Blast Leads to Arrest in Kanpur
Detention of Medical Student
In a significant development related to the ongoing investigation into the recent explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has detained a first-year Doctor of Medicine (Cardiology) student from Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Memorial (GSVM) Medical College, Kanpur. Officials confirmed the detention on Thursday, revealing that the student was apprehended from an undisclosed location.
Details of the Operation
A senior official provided insights to PTI, stating that the medical student, originally from Anantnag in Jammu and Kashmir, was taken into custody after an ATS team conducted a search at his rented accommodation in Ashok Nagar, Nazirabad. During the search, authorities seized his mobile phone and laptop for forensic examination and transported him to Delhi for further questioning.
Connection to Ongoing Investigation
The student’s name emerged during the interrogation of a former professor from GSVM, who had previously been arrested in connection with the blast case. Investigators suspect that the student maintained regular contact with the accused doctor and her brother, both of whom have been extensively questioned.
Sources indicated that on the day of the explosion, the student was in telephonic communication with individuals linked to the accused’s network. Additionally, he had recently traveled to Jammu and Kashmir, raising further suspicions. When ATS personnel arrived at his residence, he allegedly attempted to delete data from his phone; however, officials managed to seize the device before any data could be lost.
Preliminary Findings
Initial analysis of the student’s call records and chat messages revealed communication with the alleged mastermind and other suspects. Investigators believe the group utilized a shared email ID to exchange draft messages, a tactic typically employed by terrorist organizations to evade electronic surveillance.
Reactions from GSVM Medical College
The incident has caused concern among faculty and students at GSVM Medical College, particularly within the Cardiology Department, where the student had been enrolled for only three months. Dr. Gyanendra, Chief Medical Superintendent of Cardiology, confirmed the student’s enrollment and noted that he had been on duty shortly before his detention.
Dr. Gyanendra mentioned that the college is now screening all first, second, and third-year cardiology students as a precautionary measure.
Landlord’s Account
The student’s landlord reported that he had been renting a room for about a month, living with another doctor. According to the landlord, a four-member ATS team arrived around 7:30 PM, had keys to the room, conducted a search, and left quietly.
The landlord noted he had provided his ID when renting the room and had not observed any suspicious behavior or unusual visitors.
Official Confirmation and Ongoing Investigations
A senior police official, requesting anonymity, confirmed the student’s detention in Kanpur, stating he was later handed over to central investigating agencies for further interrogation. Kanpur Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal acknowledged receiving information about the detention and dispatched a team to verify the reports, emphasizing the need for confirmation before making any public statements.
Meanwhile, ATS and National Investigation Agency teams are actively conducting operations in Kanpur to uncover additional links to the accused doctor’s network. Officials hinted that further names may emerge as the investigation continues.