NATIONAL: Red Fort Blast: Missing Professor Under Terror Scanner
A devastating car explosion near Delhi’s iconic Red Fort on November 10 has left the nation reeling, claiming at least nine lives and injuring over 20 others.
As investigators peel back layers of this suspected terror attack, a private university in Haryana emerges as a focal point, drawing scrutiny for its ties to key figures in the probe.
The Red Fort Explosion
The blast occurred around 6:52 p.m. when a white Hyundai i20 detonated in a crowded parking area adjacent to the historic site.
Eyewitnesses described a deafening roar followed by thick smoke, with debris scattering across nearby streets.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, where forensic teams later collected 40 samples from the wreckage.
Preliminary analysis points to ammonium nitrate and other high-yield explosives, echoing tactics seen in past attacks.
Scrutiny at Al-Falah University
In Faridabad, Haryana, Al-Falah University finds itself under intense investigation just days after the incident.
Police teams have descended on the 70-acre campus, questioning staff and alumni amid reports of links to the blast suspects.
The institution, known for its medical programs with annual MBBS fees around 74 lakh rupees, has distanced itself from the unfolding events.
In a statement, it expressed sorrow over the tragedy, condemned the violence, and decried “baseless stories” aimed at damaging its reputation.
Officials emphasized full cooperation with authorities while highlighting the success of its graduates in top hospitals worldwide.
Dr. Nisar Ul Hassan’s Disappearance
At the heart of the university probe is Dr. Nisar Ul Hassan, a professor in the Department of Medicine who vanished shortly after the explosion.
Sources indicate he was last seen on campus on November 10, prompting a multi-agency manhunt.
Hassan’s past raises red flags. In 2023, he served as an assistant professor at Srinagar’s SMHS Government Hospital in Jammu and Kashmir.
Authorities dismissed him under Article 311(2)(c), a provision allowing swift removal in security threats without inquiry, citing alleged ties to terrorist groups.
Despite this, Al-Falah recruited him soon after, listing him as faculty. Investigators now question how such a hire occurred and what role, if any, he played in radical networks.
His association with late separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani has also surfaced in recent disclosures.
Unraveling a Larger Conspiracy
The Red Fort incident appears as just one thread in a broader plot reminiscent of the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
Sources reveal a Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed module, involving radicalized doctors, had been active since January, aiming for coordinated strikes across Delhi.
Authorities foiled parts of the scheme earlier, seizing 2,900 kilograms of explosives like ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, and sulfur during joint operations in Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
The group allegedly prepared 200 improvised explosive devices for maximum impact.
Vehicle Seizure and Accused Networks
A breakthrough came with the recovery of a red Ford EcoSport (DL10CK0458) in Khandawali village, Faridabad, registered to suspect Umar Nabi.
The vehicle, linked to reconnaissance activities, was impounded after alerts to Haryana and Uttar Pradesh police.
Five specialized teams fanned out, checking borders and checkpoints. CCTV footage from Badarpur toll plaza captured the i20 with a suspect inside, aiding the trace.
Interrogations of detained individuals are yielding details on funding and logistics, pointing to cross-border support.
NIA’s Deep Dive
The National Investigation Agency leads the effort with a 10-member team, poring over case files from Delhi, Haryana, and Jammu and Kashmir police.
Focus areas include suspect finances, digital footprints, and explosive sourcing.
A high-level meeting with the Intelligence Bureau chief and NIA director is slated for Wednesday evening to align strategies.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed no leniency, calling the plot a “conspiracy” that demands swift justice.
As the search for Dr. Hassan intensifies, this case underscores vulnerabilities in vetting processes and the quiet infiltration of terror into everyday institutions.
Families mourn lost loved ones, from a tattooed businessman identified by inked tributes to his parents, while the capital braces for revelations ahead.