Post by : Rameen Ariff

New Delhi: Authorities investigating the tragic car explosion near Delhi’s iconic Red Fort have established noteworthy connections to the Pakistan-based group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). This explosion claimed nine lives and resulted in over 20 injuries, stemming from a Hyundai i20 loaded with ammonium nitrate fuel oil.

Investigators unearthed two main ties linking the incident to JeM. The first pertains to a terror cell that executed the bombing, while the second is associated with Shaheena Shahid, a healthcare worker whose vehicle contained an assault rifle and ammunition. Shahid is suspected of leading JeM’s women’s division within India.

On Monday, police apprehended Shahid and her associate, Dr. Mujammil Shakeel, employed at Al-Falah Hospital in Faridabad. Authorities seized almost 2,900 kg of explosive substances from Shakeel’s residences, including ammonium nitrate — identical to that used in the Red Fort attack.

Additionally, Dr. Adil Ahmed Rather was arrested in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, as investigators suspect that Dr. Umar Mohammed, a third member of the group, may have ignited the explosion out of fear after the arrests of Shakeel and Rather, hinting at the potential for a suicide bombing.

The recruitment of medical professionals into terrorism indicates a troubling shift in JeM’s tactics, showcasing a more “white-collar” strategy that employs educated personnel for logistics and execution of their assaults.

Founded by Masood Azhar, JeM has previously executed notorious attacks, such as the 2019 Pulwama incident and the Pahalgam killings in April 2025. Following ongoing strikes by Indian forces against its training facilities, JeM has worked to restore its network with backing from the Pakistani establishment. An aspect of this strategy involves the women’s group, Jamat ul-Muminat, led by Sadiya Azhar, focused on recruiting and indoctrinating women near JeM’s remaining camps.

Authorities are broadening their investigation across multiple states to reveal further networks tied to the Red Fort explosion, underlining the advanced threat from well-organized terror cells working within professional environments.

#Global