NIA Investigates Red Fort Blast, Raids Eight Locations in Kashmir
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is actively investigating last month's Red Fort explosion, conducting simultaneous raids across eight locations in the Kashmir Valley. The case was initially registered in New Delhi.
Early Morning Raids Target Suspects
On Monday morning, NIA investigators conducted searches in various parts of South Kashmir. The raids targeted individuals previously arrested by the Jammu and Kashmir Police in connection with a busted Ansar Ghazwatul Hind terror module.
Key Individuals Targeted in the Raids
The NIA specifically targeted the following individuals:
- Dr. Adeel Ahmad Rather (Kulgam)
- Dr. Muzamil Shakeel Ganai (Koil village, Pulwama)
- Cleric Mufti Irfan Ahmad Wagay (Shopian)
- Amir Rashid (Samboora village, Pulwama)
Background on the Arrested Individuals
These individuals were initially arrested by the J-K Police in connection with an Ansar Ghazwatul Hind terror module. The module included four doctors, one of whom was Dr. Umar Nabi.
Dr. Umar Nabi was driving the car that exploded outside the Red Fort metro station. The explosion resulted in 13 fatalities and 32 injuries.
Previous Arrests and Explosive Materials
Prior to the Red Fort blast, three individuals โ Dr. Adeel, Dr. Muzamil, and Dr. Shaheen Shahid (a resident of Lucknow) โ were arrested in Faridabad. Police recovered a significant quantity of explosive-making material from them, including over 350 kilograms of ammonium nitrate.
Amir Rashid was apprehended immediately after the blast.
NIA Takes Over the Investigation
Following their initial arrests, the J-K police handed over the four accused to the NIA. The NIA formally arrested them after assuming control of the blast case.
Ongoing Investigation
The NIA has already arrested six individuals in connection with the case, including the three doctors, Amir, Mufti Irfan, and Jasir Bilal (a neighbor of Dr. Adeel).
Sources indicate that the current searches aim to "unravel the conspiracy" and uncover any material or digital evidence related to the Red Fort blast investigation.
