How Srinagar poster probe led to 'white-collar' terror network discovery
What's the story
A poster propaganda case in Srinagar has led to the unearthing of a sophisticated interstate terror module. The Jammu and Kashmir Police first noticed Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) posters secretly appearing in Srinagar's Nowgam area in mid-October. According to TOI, the Jaish posters threatened attacks on security forces. Such posters, which were once common before 2019, caught the attention of Srinagar SSP G V Sundeep Chakravarthy.
Jaish
The terror network included doctors with links to Pakistan
Chakravarthy had previously led the J&K Police component in Operation Mahadev, which successfully neutralized three Pahalgam attackers. To trace the origin of the posters, Chakravarthy ordered a detailed investigation. This investigation soon revealed a white-collar terror network involving doctors with links to their handlers in Pakistan. The group is now under scrutiny for its involvement in a car blast near Delhi's Red Fort, which killed 13 people and injured 20.
Investigation progress
The investigation and arrests
The case began to take shape on October 19, when authorities arrested Irfan Ahmed, a cleric from Shopian, and a paramedic from GMC Srinagar. Irfan was reportedly instrumental in radicalizing doctors, and his interrogation revealed the use of encrypted communication systems by the group. Based on information from Irfan, on November 5, Dr. Adil Rather was traced to Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. During questioning, Rather revealed details about the bombing plot and accomplices like Dr. Muzammil Shakeel and Dr. Shaheen Shaheed.
Evidence uncovered
Weapons and explosives recovered
On November 8, Dr. Shakeel was arrested from Al Falah University in Faridabad. An AK-47 rifle was recovered from Dr. Adil's locker at GMC Anantnag, indicating the group's violent intentions. The next day, police discovered around 2,900 explosives of suspected ammonium nitrate in Dr. Shakeel's rented room near his hospital following intensive interrogation of the doctors. Their information led to the arrest of Dr. Shaheen, who was believed to be heading JeM's women's wing.
Terror escalation
Red Fort blast links
The investigation took a dramatic turn on November 10 when a car bomb exploded near Delhi's Red Fort. The explosive-fitted Hyundai i20 was driven by Dr. Umar Mohammad, the prime suspect in the Delhi blast. Following this, security agencies detained six individuals from Pulwama. On Wednesday, a preacher from Haryana was detained in connection with the 'white collar' terror module. The preacher allegedly helped store explosives in his rented home near Al Falah university.