10 people from Al-Falah University are missing amid the Red Fort blast probe. [Photo: ANI]
At least 10 people linked to Al-Falah University in Faridabad have gone missing, raising major concerns for investigating agencies tracking the Red Fort blast case. Intelligence sources said the missing individuals include three Kashmiris who either studied or worked at the university. All their mobile phones are switched off.
Officials are now examining whether these missing people are connected to the module suspected of carrying out the Red Fort blast—Delhi’s first attack using a VBIED, or Vehicular-Borne Improvised Explosive Device.
Agencies have flagged Al-Falah University as the possible planning ground for the attack. The alert came after a joint operation between the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Haryana Police, which led officers to link several suspects with the university.
Sources said it is too early to draw direct conclusions. However, initial intelligence inputs suggest the missing people may have ties to the so-called ‘terror doctor’ module. This group allegedly packed a Hyundai i20 with ammonium nitrate fuel oil before detonating it near the historic Mughal monument.
Earlier, sources revealed that Jaish-e-Mohammed, the Pakistan-based terrorist outfit suspected to be behind the blast, issued a call for funds. The group allegedly sought PKR 20,000 per person to support future ‘fidayeen’ (suicide) missions.
Investigators also found clues suggesting that Jaish leaders used digital platforms for fundraising. One of these platforms includes a Pakistan-based payment app called SadaPay. Officials fear the group may be planning a women-led attack as well.
Jaish already operates a women’s wing led by Masood Azhar’s sister, Sadiya. This wing, known as Jamat ul-Muminat, was formed after Op Sindoor—India’s military response to the Pahalgam attack that targeted JeM camps in Bahawalpur.
One of the key suspects, Dr Shahina Saeed, reportedly used the codename “Madam Surgeon”. Investigators believe she may have played a major role in financing the Red Fort blast and may also be connected to this women's wing.
The blast killed 15 people, including the alleged driver of the explosive-laden vehicle, Dr Umar Mohammad. Agencies claim the entire module was run by Jaish-e-Mohammed. Nine people—including three doctors from Al-Falah Medical College—have already been arrested.
On Tuesday, the university’s founder, Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, was also arrested. The Enforcement Directorate detained him in connection with a terror-financing-linked money laundering case.
The disappearance of multiple individuals from the same educational institution has sparked fresh worry among security agencies. Officials are now investigating whether extremist groups are attempting to exploit universities and professional colleges as recruitment hotspots, especially targeting young professionals with medical or technical backgrounds.
Investigators believe that such groups may be trying to use educated recruits to design more sophisticated attacks, including VBIEDs and digitally funded terror cells.
