Red Fort blast's link to JeM, Faridabad module under probe

New Delhi: Investigative agencies are probing possible links between Monday's Red Fort blast and a series of alerts warning of the use of vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) by the banned Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), as well as the recent busting of a JeM module in Faridabad. JeM had earlier used a VBIED in the 2019 Pulwama attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Intelligence inputs on potential VBIED use have grown more frequent in recent years, though most were focused on threats to security convoys.

The latest explosion comes hours after Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with central agencies, uncovered a JeM-linked terror module in Faridabad, seizing 350 kg of explosive material. A similar attempt involving a car bomb near Delhi's Jama Masjid in 2010-linked to the now-defunct Indian Mujahideen-had been traced back to Pakistan-based operatives.

Sources said the recent arrests of eight individuals, including three doctors, and recovery of explosives and ammunition could hold crucial clues. One of them, Dr Adil Ahmad Rather from Jammu and Kashmir, is suspected to be a JeM sympathiser and may be a key link in the chain. The Red Fort blast could be a reactionary move by another JeM-linked cell, according to intelligence officials, though they cautioned it was too early to draw conclusions.

Another arrested doctor, Dr Mujammil Shakeel (also known as Mujahil or Muzammil Shakeel) from Pulwama, was working at Al-Falah Hospital in Faridabad. He had rented a house in Dhauj village about three months ago, from where the cache of explosives was recovered during a coordinated raid on Sunday.

J&K Police also searched Rather's locker at the Government Medical College in Anantnag, where he served as a senior resident until October last year, and recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition. Rather has been booked under the Arms Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Officials said that further raids were underway when the Red Fort blast occurred on Monday evening.

During Op Sindoor, Indian forces had targeted JeM launch pads and hubs.