'No connection to Red Fort blast suspects': Al Falah University
What's the story
Al-Falah University has issued a statement after three doctors from the institution were allegedly implicated in the car explosion near the Red Fort, which killed 13 people. The doctors are Umar Mohammed, Shaheen Shahid, and Muzammil Shakil. Umar was reportedly driving the Hyundai i20 that detonated near the Red Fort Metro Station. In its statement, the institution said it "has no connection with the said persons apart from them working in their official capacities with the university."
Statement
No explosives were found on campus, claims university
"We strongly condemn and categorically deny all such false and defamatory allegations. No such chemical or material....is being used, stored, or handled within the university premises. The University laboratories are used solely and exclusively for the academic and training requirements of MBBS students and other authorized courses," VC Prof. Dr. Bhupinder Kaur Anand said. "The university is extending its full cooperation to the concerned investigating authorities to enable them to arrive at a logical, fair, and conclusive determination."
Ongoing probe
Arrests made in Red Fort blast case
Shakil was arrested about 11 days ago during a joint operation by J&K Police, Haryana Police, and Intelligence Bureau (IB). The operation reportedly led to the seizure of over 2,500 kilograms of ammonium nitrate, potassium chlorate, and sulfur from his rented accommodation. After Shakil, Shahid was also arrested on Monday after a raid at the university in connection with the Red Fort blast case. During a search, rifles and ammunition were recovered from her car.
Student fears
Campus under police surveillance, students advised not to speak
Since these developments, students at Al-Falah University are on edge over possible accomplices of the suspects still on campus. "We are scared someone else involved could still be inside," a third-year medical student told ThePrint. The news of Shakil's arrest has also shocked his village. "No one had...slightest idea he could do something like this," said Salim Khan, a resident of Dhauj. Another doctor at Al-Falah University noted that while they didn't know Shahid personally, her behavior had been odd.
University profile
More about Al-Falah University
Founded by Professor (Dr) M Siddique in 2014, Al-Falah University is run by the Al-Falah Charitable Trust. The campus is spread across approximately 70 acres and includes the Al-Falah School of Engineering and Technology, Brown Hill College of Engineering and Technology, and the Al-Falah School of Education and Training. It also houses a 650-bed charitable hospital, Al-Falah Hospital, and other facilities like hostels and laboratories.