Who's Shaheen Shahid, doctor at center of Delhi blast probe
What's the story
Dr. Shaheen Shahid, a 43-year-old former medical professional from Kanpur, has emerged as a key suspect in an interstate terror network busted in Faridabad. The probe has now extended to link this network with the recent car blast in New Delhi that killed at least 13 people. Reportedly, investigators recovered an AK Krinkov rifle, three magazines, a pistol registered under her name, two empty cartridges, and other weapons during the investigation.
Background
Education and career
Born in Hata Mustafa Khan, Khandari Bazar, Lucknow, Dr. Shahid is the daughter of retired state health department official Shahid Ansari. After completing her MBBS from Prayagraj, she joined GSVM Medical College as a lecturer in 2006 but was transferred to Kannauj due to conflicts with a senior officer. She returned to Kanpur within six months but eventually stopped attending work altogether and was dismissed in 2021 for prolonged absence.
Personal turmoil
Personal life and family
Dr. Shahid's personal life took a turn when she divorced her husband, Zafar Hayat, in 2012. She then moved to Faridabad with Dr. Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie, another accused in the case. Investigators allege that she was tasked with establishing Jamaat-ul-Mominaat, JeM's women's wing in India. Her family has denied these allegations, saying they are hard to believe and there were no signs of wrongdoing during their last contact four years ago.
Ex-husband's statement
Ex-husband's reaction, police investigation
Dr. Hayat, her ex-husband, said he was shocked to hear about her arrest and denied any knowledge of her alleged involvement in terror activities. According to officials, Dr. Shaheen abruptly left her position at GSVM Medical College in 2013 and was legally terminated in 2021. After enrolling at Al-Falah University, she allegedly met Dr. Ganaie and two other doctors who are currently being held in connection with the Delhi blast.
Investigation progress
Links to terror activities
Investigators say Ganaie was already under watch for supporting JeM through posters and digital propaganda. His interrogation had led to major recovery of explosives, detonators, and timers. Intelligence sources believe these operations are linked to JeM's attempts to revive its sleeper network after Operation Sindoor, where top operatives were killed. Shortly after that, JeM formed Jamaat-ul-Mominaat, its women wing, with recruitment drives reported in Bahawalpur, Karachi, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad. Shaheen was tasked with setting up the women's wing in India.