J&K electrician detained in Delhi blast case; Jaish links suspected
What's the story
The State Investigation Agency (SIA) and the Special Operations Group of Jammu and Kashmir have detained Tufail Ahmed, an electrician from Pulwama. He was picked up from an industrial estate for questioning in connection with the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) interstate terror module linked to the Red Fort blast case, according to India Today. Sources say strong leads suggest his involvement in the conspiracy, warranting a closer examination of his role within the network.
Blast aftermath
Red Fort blast: 15 dead, including suicide bomber
The November 10 blast near the Red Fort Metro Station in Delhi killed 15 people, including the suicide bomber Dr Umar Un Nabi from Faridabad's Al-Falah University. The nature of Tufail Ahmed's involvement in this terror plot remains undisclosed by agencies. His arrest follows an earlier warrant issued against Dr Muzaffar Ahmad Rather in Kulgam for his alleged role in the same case.
Suspect's escape
Key accused believed to have fled India
Dr Muzaffar, a key accused from Qazigund, is believed to have fled India in August and may be hiding in Afghanistan. Investigators say he acted as a vital link between Jaish-e-Mohammed handlers and the "white-collar" terror network spread across various states. The Jammu and Kashmir Police have sought an Interpol Red Corner Notice for his extradition to further the investigation.
Additional arrests
NIA detains 4 more suspects in Delhi blast case
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has also detained four more suspects in connection with the Delhi blast case, taking the total number of arrests to six. The accused include Dr Muzammil Shakeel Ganai, Dr Adil Ahmed Rathar, Dr Shaheen Shaheed, and Mufti Irfan Ahmed Vagai. They were earlier held by the Jammu and Kashmir Police before being shifted to NIA custody in Srinagar.
Ongoing investigation
NIA seeks further custody to probe conspiracy
The NIA alleges that these suspects were key players in the terror module behind the deadly blast. The agency will seek further police custody to probe deeper into the conspiracy, especially regarding an absconding suspect named Umar. This crackdown on terror operatives in Jammu and Kashmir is part of a larger effort after authorities seized 2,900kg of explosives and a powerful car bomb near Red Fort.