Kanpur student detained after Delhi blast confirmed as 'terror incident'
What's the story
The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has detained a Kanpur-based medical student from Jammu and Kashmir for questioning in connection with the Delhi blast. The blast, which occurred inside a car near the Red Fort Metro Station, reportedly killed 13 people and injured many others. The detained doctor is believed to have been in contact with Dr. Shaheen Saeed, who was arrested in connection with the incident, per News18. It was from Shaheen's car, where several weapons were recovered.
Investigation progress
Dr. Shaheen's movements being traced
Investigators have found that Dr. Shaheen visited Lucknow and Kanpur in August and are now tracing her movements during the visit. Her connection to Kanpur was revealed during ongoing interrogations. Police officials confirmed that Dr. Shaheen was a professor at GSVM Medical College in Kanpur from 2006 to 2012 before disappearing without notice.
Investigation team
Special operations team formed to assist in investigation
In light of these revelations, the Kanpur Police Commissioner has formed a Special Operations Team. This team will assist central agencies in their investigation and identify foreign nationals residing in the city. The team is also tasked with verifying the identities of Rohingya, Bangladeshi, and other foreign nationals living in Kanpur. Dr. Shaheen, who teaches at Al Falah University in Faridabad, is accused of having connections with the other doctors linked to the blast and Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
Terror ties
Details about Dr. Shaheen and the blast
She reportedly played a significant role in securing financial and logistical assistance for the group, and her name has come up frequently in the ongoing probe. She was allegedly associated with Dr. Umar Nabi, who is believed to have driven the i20 that exploded near Red Fort. Dr. Shaheen was also allegedly tasked with setting up the women's wing for Jaish in India.
Official confirmation
Government calls explosion 'terrorist incident'
The Indian government has confirmed that the explosion was a "terrorist incident" carried out by "anti-national forces." The cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday condemned the act as a "dastardly and cowardly act that has led to the loss of innocent lives." The anti-terrorism squad is leading the probe under India's anti-terror law, giving them extensive powers for raids and arrests.