Srinagar: Doctor Detained in Terror Investigation
Background of the Case
A female doctor from Rohtak, currently studying for her MD in General Medicine at Government Medical College (GMC) in Anantnag, was detained for several hours for questioning regarding an alleged “white-collar” terror module connected to the bomb blast near Delhi’s Red Fort area on October 11. According to her brother, the intelligence officials questioned her as part of standard procedure and released her afterward. The terror module is believed to have connections extending from Jammu & Kashmir to Delhi.
Connection to Arrests
The doctor’s name emerged following the arrest of a former staff member at GMC Anantnag, who, during interrogation, identified several individuals suspected of providing logistical and financial assistance to the terror module. A review of his call records revealed the involvement of the female doctor.
Police Action and Investigation
Following her mention in the ongoing investigation, counter-intelligence officers from the J&K Police raided her hostel, confiscating her mobile phone and SIM card for forensic analysis, and took her in for questioning. Although she has since been released, her phone remains with law enforcement for further examination, as reported by India Today.
Educational Background
The doctor completed her MBBS degree at Bhagat Phool Singh Medical College for Women in Khanpur Kalan, Sonepat. She currently serves as a medical officer at Dighal Community Health Centre in Jhajjar and enrolled in the MD program at GMC Anantnag in 2023.
Family Response
The family of the doctor has vehemently denied any connection to terrorism. Her brother emphasized that her detention was merely for routine questioning, stating that investigators asked basic questions regarding her education, background, and family.
Family’s Account of the Incident
In an interview with HT at their home in Rohtak, her brother recounted, “My sister, a medical officer at Jhajjar’s Dighal community, has been pursuing her postgraduation in medicine from the government medical college in Anantnag after taking leave in 2023. Around 9 pm on Saturday, I was video calling her when she informed me that investigators had arrived at her hostel, and the call was abruptly disconnected. Later, my brother-in-law, a doctor in Bhiwani, informed me that agency officials had taken her for questioning. She later called us, explaining that her mobile phone had been confiscated for forensic testing.”
Clarification on Allegations
He further stated, “The investigators inquired about her connections with Dr ***, who is implicated in the terror case. She clarified that he was merely her senior in the same college and department, asserting her innocence regarding the case. We are disheartened by the false news reports concerning her living arrangements; she has always resided in the medical college hostel and never rented outside. Should investigators reach out again, she is prepared to cooperate fully. Her intent in Anantnag is solely to further her education, not to engage in any anti-national activities.”
Ongoing Investigations
Meanwhile, the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) is pursuing leads from Kashmir, investigating approximately 200 Kashmiri-origin medical students and doctors across Uttar Pradesh. The ATS has reached out to various colleges and universities in cities such as Lucknow, Kanpur, Meerut, and Saharanpur as part of the inquiry into the “white-collar” terror module. Several doctors have been detained from Haryana, along with others from Al-Falah University in Faridabad, who are suspected of having links to terrorist organizations.