In a startling revelation that sheds light on a new front in India’s fight against terrorism, the residence of Dr Shaheen Shahid, arrested in the Faridabad terror module, was raided on Tuesday in connection with the fatal Delhi blast that claimed 12 lives.
Investigators believe Shaheen maintained contact with handlers across the border and was expanding this network through covert social media and local sympathisers. The investigation also revealed links to JeM’s women’s brigade, Jamaat-ul-Mominaat, headed by Sadia Azhar, sister of JeM founder Masood Azhar.
The Delhi Police Special Cell has detained several suspects linked to the Red Fort blast, and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the probe, which forms part of a wider conspiracy to trace interstate terror networks under guidance from Home Minister Amit Shah and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
Who is Dr Shaheen Shahid?
Dr Shaheen Shahid, a Lucknow-based doctor arrested from Faridabad, was allegedly tasked with establishing and leading the women’s wing of Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in India. She was allegedly assigned to create a female recruitment and operations network under Jamaat-ul-Momineen, JeM’s women’s brigade, reportedly directed by Sadia Azhar, sister of JeM founder Masood Azhar.
Authorities reportedly discovered over 2,900 kilograms of explosives, including ammonium nitrate similar to that used in the Red Fort blast, from properties linked to the module. Dr Shaheen is alleged to have been working closely with Kashmiri doctor Dr Muzammil Ganaie, an arrested suspect and accused of logistics support for the terror network.
Police and security agencies are intensively interrogating Shaheen and others to unearth the full extent of terror planning and recruitment facilitated through academic and online networks. Her family home in Lucknow was raided by police as part of the ongoing probe.
Investigation Details and Official Statements
Delhi Police sources confirm Dr Shaheen’s pivotal role in the terror module busted recently, with an assault rifle recovered from her car and close ties to other detained doctors from Al-Falah University.
The NIA, spearheading the investigation, is probing how terror funding and recruitment were facilitated via academic institutions and exploring cross-border command structures. Home Minister Amit Shah and NSA Ajit Doval oversee these efforts, emphasizing the critical need to dismantle sophisticated terror cells attempting to destabilise national security.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The emergence of a women-led terror wing within India demands heightened vigilance and nuanced community engagement. Condemning acts of terror remains paramount, but prevention rooted in empathy, education, and dialogue is crucial. The Logical Indian advocates for policies fostering resilience against radicalisation, reinforcing social harmony without suspicion towards entire communities.
Helpline Numbers
Delhi Police Emergency: 112 (24 hours, reports of missing persons will be investigated),
Delhi Police Control Room: 011-22910010 or 011-22910011
LNJP Hospital: 011-23233400, Emergency 011-23239249 (can inquire in person or by phone)
Delhi Fire Service: 101
Ambulance: 102 or 108
AIIMS Trauma Center: 011-26594405
