Lady doctor's grilling uncovers trail of zakat cash, secret operations
What's the story
The interrogation of Dr. Shaheen Shahid, a key suspect in the white-collar terror module case at Al Falah University, has unearthed a complex network of radicalization and covert operations. The closed-circle group she was part of, mostly comprising Kashmiri faculty members, allegedly created ideological silos and became a safe haven for suspects Dr. Muzammil Shakeel and Dr. Umar un Nabi. According to CNN-News18 sources familiar with her interrogation, this group operated unchecked and systematically excluded non-Kashmiri staff from their discussions.
Operational leadership
Muzammil and Umar's roles in terror operations
According to sources cited by the channel, Muzammil and Umar functioned as operational chiefs of this group. Muzammil was responsible for logistics, including vehicles, movements, access, and storage. Umar was in charge of ideological mobilization, often expressing hardline views and issuing veiled threats. Shaheen claims Umar was "very clear" about executing a major strike soon. The investigation also uncovered identical barrels being moved around campus under the guise of "cleaning work."
Covert operations
Suspicious activities and foreign links uncovered
Shaheen interpreted these movements as part of a covert operation. The barrels were transported in a shared red EcoSport vehicle, along with references to travel to Turkey and links to a Pakistani contact called Ukasha, according to News18. This has raised suspicions of possible foreign ideological handlers being involved in the operations at Al Falah University.
Evidence found
Weapons and CCTV equipment recovered from campus
The investigation took a decisive turn with the recovery of a large firearm, a small firearm, and CCTV equipment from a bag linked to both Dr. Shaheen and Muzammil. This discovery strengthened suspicions that Al Falah University was being used as a pre-operation safe zone for terrorist activities. Parallel financial investigations have also revealed how Muzammil allegedly converted zakat donations into terror funds by exploiting religious trusts to collect money for humanitarian and Kashmir relief efforts.
Financial investigation
Zakat contributions and financial channels under scrutiny
Dr. Shaheen's accounts reportedly show ₹20-22 lakh in zakat contributions over several years, which investigators believe created an informal cash channel for Muzammil. Sources say Muzammil relied on his deeply religious persona and Tablighi connections to secure funds without formal documentation. Shaheen maintained she only received funds, suggesting her accounts were used as a financing conduit. However, investigators point to her ₹24-25 lakh savings and lack of dependents as factors making her an accessible source of funds for terrorist activities.