A deadly explosion outside the Nowgam police station in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, killing nine people, has uncovered a massive Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror module stretching across India. The investigation revealed connections to the Delhi Red Fort blast and the seizure of nearly 3,000 kilograms of explosives, highlighting a narrowly avoided national disaster.
1. Nowgam Blast: Initial Incident
On a Friday night, an explosion occurred near Nowgam police station, resulting in nine fatalities and multiple injuries. The tragedy shocked local authorities and triggered a nationwide investigation.
2. Origin of the Case
The probe began not with the blast but with a complaint filed on October 19 regarding objectionable posters in Srinagar, which first alerted security agencies to suspicious activities.
3. Uncovering the Terror Module
Investigations revealed an inter-state JeM module plotting large-scale attacks, exposing a well-organized terror network operating across Jammu & Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana.
4. Initial Arrests in Kashmir
Between October 20 and 27, two individuals were arrested from Shopian and Ganderbal, marking the first breakthrough in the case.
5. Faridabad Link Identified
The probe quickly moved beyond Kashmir. On November 5, Dr. Adil, a medical practitioner from Saharanpur, was taken into custody, uncovering links to Faridabad, Haryana.
6. Weapons Seized in Anantnag
On November 7, authorities recovered an AK-56 rifle and ammunition from a hospital in Anantnag, raising concerns over terrorist use of medical facilities.
7. Faridabad Module Exposed
Investigators identified Dr. Muzammil and another doctor, Umar, from Al Falah Medical College, Faridabad, as central members of the terror network.
8. Massive Explosives Haul
On November 10, 2,563 kg of explosives were seized from Hafeez Mohammad Ishtiaq’s residence in Faridabad. Further raids recovered an additional 358 kg of explosives, detonators, and timers, totaling nearly 3,000 kg.
9. Preventing a National Disaster
The seizures prevented a potentially catastrophic attack, highlighting the efficiency of the security and intelligence operations.
10. Delhi Red Fort Blast Connection
On November 14, a blast occurred at Delhi’s Red Fort. CCTV footage showed the car involved was driven by Umar, the Faridabad module member.
11. Linking Explosives and Attack
Investigators confirmed that the explosive material used in the Red Fort blast matched the stockpile seized in Faridabad, establishing a direct link.
12. Motive and Ongoing Investigation
Authorities suspect Umar may have acted out of panic or desperation after the module’s exposure. It remains under investigation whether the blast was planned or accidental. The case has been transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Summary
The Nowgam blast investigation has unveiled a pan-India terror network, linking Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana. The Faridabad module and its explosives were directly tied to the Delhi Red Fort incident, highlighting the critical importance of coordinated intelligence and security operations.
