Faridabad, A major terror conspiracy targeting the National Capital Region (NCR) has been averted following a joint operation by the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Police and local forces in Haryana’s Faridabad. The operation led to the discovery of a massive cache of bomb-making material and sophisticated weaponry, and the arrest of a second doctor from J&K suspected of terror links.
The Massive Haul: 350 kg of Explosives
The seizure was made from a rented accommodation in Dhauj village, Faridabad, which is located in close proximity to Delhi. The recovered cache included:
- 350 kg of explosive substance, confirmed by the Faridabad Police Commissioner to be ammonium nitrate, a chemical compound often used to create powerful Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
- An AK-47 assault rifle with multiple magazines.
- A pistol.
- 20 timers and four batteries, components vital for triggering IEDs.
- A walkie-talkie set and a large quantity of ammunition.
Police officials indicated that the quantity of explosives recovered was sufficient for a series of large-scale terror attacks, underscoring the severity of the foiled plot.
The Arrests: Doctors Linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)
The breakthrough was achieved following the interrogation of an individual arrested a fortnight ago:
- Dr. Adil Ahmad Rather: A Kashmiri doctor from Pulwama, who worked as a senior resident at a Government Medical College in Anantnag until last year. Rather was initially arrested by J&K Police from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, for allegedly putting up posters supporting the banned terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Srinagar on October 27. An AK-47 and ammunition were previously recovered from his locker at the college.
- Dr. Mujammil Shakeel: The interrogation of Dr. Rather led investigators to a second doctor, Dr. Mujammil Shakeel, also from Pulwama, who was working as an assistant professor at a university in Faridabad. Shakeel had reportedly rented the accommodation in Dhauj village about three months ago, and another room specifically to store the explosives. He was arrested in the coordinated raid that led to the recovery of the arms cache on Sunday.
Both doctors have been booked under the Arms Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Sources suggest the arrests point to a troubling trend of terror networks recruiting highly educated professionals to facilitate their operations.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are currently investigating the intended targets of the plot and how such a substantial quantity of explosive material was transported undetected to a location so close to the National Capital. The role of other associates and a potential woman doctor, whose car was used to store an assault rifle, remains under the scanner as the joint security teams work to dismantle the entire terror module.
