| White coats of terror: Police bust doctors-led terror module | | Recover 2900 kg explosives, guns; encrypted links to Pak uncovered in a chilling operation | | Early Times Report
Jammu, Nov 10: In one of the most shocking counter-terror revelations in recent years, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have unearthed a massive terror network allegedly masterminded and operated by doctors working across India.
The transnational module—linked to the banned outfits Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGuH)—was busted after a sweeping, multi-state operation that led to the arrest of eight accused, including three medical professionals and an imam, and the seizure of nearly 2,900 kg of explosives, arms, and encrypted communication devices.
Police officials described the network as a “white-collar terror ecosystem”—a sophisticated operation run under the cover of education, medicine, and charity, aimed at orchestrating large-scale terror attacks across India.
The investigation began on October 19, 2025, after posters bearing the insignia of Jaish-e-Mohammad surfaced across Bunpora, Nowgam (Srinagar), threatening police and security forces. Acting swiftly, police registered FIR No. 162/2025 under the UAPA, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Explosive Substances Act, and the Arms Act.
CCTV footage from the area proved crucial. It led investigators to Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, where they arrested Dr. Adeel, a Kashmiri-origin doctor. His interrogation opened a Pandora’s box—revealing a chilling nexus of radicalised professionals, encrypted communications, and terror financing.
Based on Dr. Adeel’s disclosures, J&K Police and Haryana Police jointly raided a rented accommodation in Faridabad, linked to Dr. Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie, another Pulwama-based doctor. The search yielded 360 kg of explosive material, the first of several shocking discoveries.
Sustained questioning of an imam associated with the group led investigators to a second location, where a staggering 2,583 kg of explosive substances were recovered—taking the total haul to nearly 2.9 tonnes of IED-making material.
Police sources said the material included explosives, electronic circuits, batteries, wires, remote controls, timers, and metal sheets—enough to fuel multiple large-scale terror strikes.
Searches continued across Dhaouj village and adjoining areas near Delhi, which investigators believe were used as safe houses and storage hubs due to their proximity to the Capital yet relative seclusion.
According to investigators, the busted network comprised highly educated professionals, students, and religious figures who had been radicalised through online channels. Their handlers, police said, were based in Pakistan and other foreign countries.
The accused allegedly used encrypted apps to coordinate logistics, transfer funds, and receive operational instructions. Funds were raised under the guise of charitable and educational causes before being diverted for terror-related activities.
The network reportedly began taking shape around 2021–22, initially led by a handler named Hashim and later reorganised under Dr. Omar, who operated from the Valley. The group’s long-term objective was to manufacture IEDs, carry out terror attacks, and eventually form its own militant outfit aligned with Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad.
In a fresh twist, police have also arrested Dr. Shaheena, affiliated with Al-Falah University, Lucknow, who was allegedly closely associated with Dr. Muzammil.
Her car—previously seized during the Faridabad operation—was found carrying an AK-47 rifle and live cartridges. Investigators suspect that she may have assisted Muzammil in both logistical and operational aspects of the terror network. Police are now seeking her custodial interrogation to uncover her full role.
Police sources said the role of several more individuals has surfaced, and further arrests are likely.
A pickup vehicle (Regn. HR55CHSTE) was also seized with firearms and cartridges. The cache included an AK Krinkov rifle, three magazines, a pistol with live rounds, and two empty cartridges. Earlier, an AK-47 rifle had been recovered from Dr. Adeel’s locker at the Government Medical College, Anantnag.
A financial investigation is underway to trace the funding channels and money flow that sustained this high-profile terror network. Police say international linkages are being probed, and every connection—domestic or foreign—is being “addressed expeditiously.”
Officials said the bust is a major blow to Pakistan-backed terror infrastructure, which has long sought to infiltrate Indian institutions through educated, ideologically motivated operatives rather than traditional militant routes.
“This operation has exposed a dangerous new face of terrorism — one that wears a white coat instead of camouflage,” a senior officer said. “The network was highly educated, deeply radicalised, and disturbingly well-connected.” |
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