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Red Fort Blast Case: Delhi Court Extends NIA Custody of Three Doctors & Preacher Arrested in "White-Collar" Terror Probe
December 09, 2025 | National Security | NIA Investigation | Red Fort Terror Attack
By Crime & Legal Affairs Correspondent
Internal Security & Counter-Terrorism Analyst
Focus: NIA probes, UAPA cases, judicial proceedings, national security
A Delhi court has granted the NIA four more days to interrogate three doctors and a preacher connected to the November 10 Red Fort suicide bombing, as investigators probe a sophisticated "white-collar" terror module planning Hamas-style drone attacks.
In a significant development in the Red Fort blast case, a Delhi court on Monday extended the National Investigation Agency (NIA) custody of three doctors and a religious preacher by four days. The accused—identified as Dr. Muzammil Shakeel Ganai, Dr. Adeel Ahmed Rather, Dr. Shaheena Saeed, and Maulvi Irfan Ahmed Wagay—were produced before Principal District and Sessions Judge Anju Bajaj Chandna at the Patiala House Courts complex under heavy security[web:127][web:130].
The NIA sought the extension to confront the accused with fresh evidence uncovered during raids in Lucknow, Kanpur, and South Kashmir. The agency revealed in court that this "white-collar" module, comprised of highly educated professionals, was not only behind the November 10 suicide bombing that killed 15 people but was also actively developing drone-based delivery systems for future attacks[web:127][web:132]. The proceedings were held in-camera, with media barred from the courtroom due to the sensitivity of the national security information involved[web:131][web:133].
The NIA sought the extension to confront the accused with fresh evidence uncovered during raids in Lucknow, Kanpur, and South Kashmir. The agency revealed in court that this "white-collar" module, comprised of highly educated professionals, was not only behind the November 10 suicide bombing that killed 15 people but was also actively developing drone-based delivery systems for future attacks[web:127][web:132]. The proceedings were held in-camera, with media barred from the courtroom due to the sensitivity of the national security information involved[web:131][web:133].
The Accused: "White-Collar" Terror Module
🩺 The Medical Professionals Involved
- Dr. Muzammil Shakeel Ganai: Hailing from Pulwama, J&K. Suspected of coordinating logistics and funding for the module.
- Dr. Adeel Ahmed Rather: From Anantnag, J&K. Allegedly provided technical support and safe houses for the suicide bomber.
- Dr. Shaheena Saeed: A female doctor from Lucknow, UP. NIA investigations link her to the planning phase and recruitment at Al-Falah University, Faridabad[web:132][web:135].
- Profile: Investigators describe them as "highly radicalized professionals" who operated under the guise of medical legitimacy to evade suspicion.
🕌 The Religious & Operational Links
- Maulvi Irfan Ahmed Wagay: A preacher from Shopian, J&K. Accused of ideological indoctrination and facilitating communication between module members.
- Suicide Bomber (Deceased): Dr. Umar-un-Nabi, the driver of the explosives-laden Hyundai i20. He was a medical professional who allegedly planned and executed the suicide mission[web:127][web:131].
The Incident: November 10 Red Fort Blast
💥 Attack Details
- Date & Time: November 10, 2025. Evening hours.
- Location: Busy traffic signal outside the historic Red Fort (Lal Qila), Delhi.
- Modus Operandi: A Hyundai i20 car packed with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) came to a halt at a signal and detonated.
- Casualties: 15 people killed, dozens injured in the high-intensity explosion[web:127][web:132].
- Trigger: Suicide detonation by the driver, Dr. Umar-un-Nabi.
NIA Investigation: Drones, Rockets & University Links
Key Investigative Leads
- Hamas-Style Drone Plot: NIA revealed the group was modifying commercial drones to carry rocket-style bombs for attacks on high-security zones, mimicking tactics used by groups like Hamas[web:132].
- Al-Falah University Connection: Several accused, including Dr. Shaheena and the bomber Dr. Umar, were associated with Al-Falah University in Faridabad. The NIA conducted on-site questioning and seized materials from the campus[web:132][web:135].
- Multi-State Raids: The probe spans Delhi, Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow, Kanpur, Saharanpur), Haryana (Faridabad), and Jammu & Kashmir.
- Total Arrests: 7 individuals arrested so far, including the car owner Amir Rashid Ali and technical supporter Jasir Bilal Wani[web:127][web:132].
Exam Corner: UPSC/SSC & Law Relevance
Legal Provisions in Focus
- UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act): The primary anti-terror law under which the accused are booked (likely Sections 16, 18, 20).
- NIA Act, 2008: Grants the NIA concurrent jurisdiction to probe terror offenses across states without needing specific state government permission.
- Police Custody vs. Judicial Custody: The court granted "NIA custody" (police remand) for interrogation, distinct from judicial custody (jail).
Practice Question
- "Discuss the mandate of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in combating cross-border and white-collar terrorism. How does the 2019 Amendment strengthen its powers?"
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— End of Report —
Sources:
- Press Trust of India (PTI), Law Trend, India Today, National Herald, News Arena India, New Indian Express [web:127][web:128][web:130][web:132].
- Court Orders: Patiala House Courts (Special NIA Court) proceedings dated Dec 08/09, 2025.
- NIA Official Statements regarding "White-Collar Module" & Red Fort Blast investigation.
