Emergence of Terror Networks Among Indian Medical Professionals

The Times of India
Emergence of Terror Networks Among Indian Medical Professionals - Article illustration from The Times of India

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A disturbing investigation reveals that medical professionals in India are becoming radicalized and involved in terrorism. Central to this is Dr. Umar Un Nabi, suspected in a car explosion near Red Fort, who, along with fellow doctors, allegedly amassed explosives for attacks linked to Jaish-e-Muhammed. The inquiry has also uncovered a network of clerics indoctrinating educated individuals. Previous occurrences of radicalized doctors underline this growing concern, prompting heightened surveillance on medical practitioners in the region. Authorities continue their probe to dismantle these alarming networks.

A recent investigation has unveiled a complex web of radicalization within a group of medical professionals in India, particularly focusing on Dr. Umar Un Nabi, who is under scrutiny for a car explosion near Red Fort. Sources indicate that Dr. Nabi was a central figure in the Faridabad module, which included other medical professionals like Dr. Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie, Dr. Adeel Majeed Rather, and Dr. Shaheen Shahid. During her questioning, Dr. Shahid admitted that Dr. Nabi had frequently discussed plans for "multiple terror attacks across the nation" following their work hours at Al-Falah Medical College.

The group reportedly amassed a stockpile of ammonium nitrate, a fertilizer often utilized for making explosives, for almost two years, allegedly intending to conduct nationwide attacks on behalf of the terror organization Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM). While Dr. Shahid, along with her colleagues, has been apprehended by joint police efforts in Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana, Dr. Nabi managed to evade arrest and is now a key suspect in the suspected bombing incident.

The investigation has broadened to include potential links to a women’s terror wing being developed by JeM in India, suggesting a wider network of radicalized individuals. Dr. Shahid revealed that her brother, Parvez Sayeed, shared a chat group with the other suspects and was also reportedly radicalized. Police have since arrested him but were unable to recover any explosives, raising concerns that he may have disposed of them preemptively.

Further investigations have identified a supplier of ammonium nitrate based in Gurugram, indicating plans for raids and additional arrests in connection to the blast. Authorities discovered that clerics, notably one from Shopian and another from Mewat, were involved in indoctrinating educated professionals like medical practitioners, leveraging their positions to conceal potential terrorist agendas. This troubling trend highlights a previous incident in November 2023 when Dr. Nisar Ul Hassan, an assistant professor at a Srinagar hospital, was dismissed for his ties to terrorism, illustrating ongoing concerns regarding radicalization within the medical community in Kashmir. Investigations continue to ascertain the extent of these networks and whether further arrests might connect to previous incidents.

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