Pathankot Doctor Detained in Connection with Delhi Blast
Overview of Detention
Authorities in Punjab’s Pathankot have detained a local doctor for questioning regarding the recent blast in Delhi. The 45-year-old surgeon has been employed at a private medical college and hospital in Pathankot for over two years, according to police sources.
Background of the Surgeon
Prior to his current position, the surgeon worked at Al Falah University in Faridabad, Haryana. This institution has been linked to the key suspects in the ongoing “white collar terror module” investigation, as reported by PTI.
Related Arrests in Haryana
On Friday, police detained two doctors from Nuh district in Haryana for questioning related to the same case. One of these doctors completed his apprenticeship at Al Falah University after finishing his MBBS, with his apprenticeship concluding on November 2. The other is a former student now working at a private hospital in Nuh.
Details on the Delhi Blast Incident
Casualties Reported
Recent reports indicate that the death toll from the car blast near Delhi’s Red Fort has increased to 13, following the death of a victim who succumbed to severe burn injuries on Thursday.
Investigation by National Investigation Agency
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is leading the investigation and has identified connections between the main suspect, a doctor, and a handler based in Turkey, codenamed “Ukasa.”
Discovery of Terror Module
Earlier this week, agencies uncovered a “white collar terror module” with ties to terrorist organizations Jaish-e-Mohammed and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, operating across Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. The investigation resulted in the seizure of 2,900 kilograms of explosives and the arrest of eight individuals, including three doctors associated with Al Falah University.
Details of the Explosion
The blast occurred on Monday in the crowded Red Fort metro station area, where a high-intensity explosion from a slow-moving car led to multiple casualties. A DNA test confirmed that an assistant professor from Al Falah University was driving the vehicle at the time of the explosion.
Further Investigations and Developments
Ongoing Questioning of Additional Individuals
In addition to the eight arrests, authorities have detained several others for further questioning in connection with the incidents.
Use of Encrypted Communications
Investigators have discovered that the prime suspects allegedly utilized a Switzerland-based encrypted messaging application to organize and plan their activities pertaining to the terror conspiracy.
Related Developments
In a related case, the house of the accused doctor in Pulwama was demolished, highlighting the ongoing efforts to dismantle the network involved in these terror activities.