examination Intensifies Following Pulwama Blast, Focus on Al-Falah university
following the recent blast in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, a wide-ranging investigation is underway, centering on potential connections to doctors affiliated with Al-Falah University. Authorities are meticulously examining the network of individuals believed to be involved, focusing on communication methods and financial links.
The investigation gained momentum after the demolition of dr. Umar’s residence in pulwama district late Thursday night. Security forces evacuated the occupants before using explosives to raze the structure. Neighbors in Koil village reported being awakened by the blast, and confirmed visits from multiple investigative teams to the homes of Dr.Umar and his associate, Dr. Muzammil Shakeel, who reside less than a kilometer apart.
Delhi Police, working alongside the National Investigation Agency (NIA), are intensifying scrutiny of Al-Falah University due to the involvement of three of its doctors – Umar, Muzammil, and Dr. Shaheen Shahid - who have either been arrested or named in the investigation. Teams have been dispatched to Madhya Pradesh to gather information regarding the university’s chairman,Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui,and his family,aiming to map the academic,financial,and personal relationships of those implicated.
A police team arrived in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, to locate Siddiqui’s residence and verify any overlap between his associations and the accused. Local police are assisting with background checks, and Siddiqui’s family will also be questioned. Siddiqui is currently residing in Delhi’s Jamia Nagar.
The NIA has requested extensive records from Al-Falah University, including details on hostel assignments, faculty recruitment, and financial transactions across all departments. Investigators are exploring whether the doctors leveraged their positions to recruit individuals sympathetic to their cause, raise funds, or provide logistical support for the attack.
A raid was conducted at Siddiqui’s Okhla office on Thursday. Investigators noted that Siddiqui was previously arrested in 2000, accused of misappropriating ₹7.5 crore from investors through shell companies operating under the Al-Falah name. He was acquitted in 2005 after serving a three-year jail sentence. Though, authorities emphasize that no direct link between the university and the recent blast has been established at this time.
Mohammad Raazi, the university’s legal advisor, stated that the institution is fully cooperating with the investigation. ”We were unaware of the doctors’ activities and are deeply shocked. our campus has never been used for funding or activities related to terrorism,” he affirmed.
The National Medical Council (NMC) has already cancelled the registrations of four Al-Falah-affiliated doctors - Dr. Muzaffar Ahmad, Dr. Adeel Ahmad Rather, Dr. Muzammil Shakeel,and Dr. Shaheen Shahid – and will consider further action based on the police investigation’s findings.
A key aspect of the investigation focuses on the accused doctors’ purposeful efforts to avoid leaving a digital trail. According to a Delhi Police special cell officer, they communicated by typing drafts of emails and deleting them after being read, a method designed to circumvent detection. “they were extremely careful not to leave a digital footprint,” the officer explained.
Investigators have been dispatched to Kashmir to conduct further raids, driven by concerns that a portion of the explosives used in the blast remains unaccounted for. “A important amount has been recovered, but some material is still missing,” an officer stated.
Residents of Koil village reported that security forces arrived after midnight,instructing Dr. Umar’s family to evacuate with only essential belongings before demolishing the house.
In response to the unfolding investigation, police in Faridabad and Nuh have increased surveillance in markets, public spaces, and along border routes. “Strict verification drives are underway to ensure public safety,” stated Yashpal Singh, spokesperson for Faridabad Police.
Authorities in Gurugram have also tightened regulations on fertilizer sales, fearing potential misuse of chemicals. “Fertilizers like urea, DAP, and NPK will now only be sold to registered farmers under the Meri Fasal Mera Byora scheme,” announced Gurugram deputy commissioner ajay Kumar.
