Red Fort blast: Doctors’ secret diaries reveal code words, foreign links and hidden plans

Delhi: Two diaries packed with coded entries and encrypted messages were discovered at the campus of Al Falah University in Faridabad, officials say, in connection with the blast that ripped through central Delhi earlier this week.

The blast near the Red Fort on Monday evening left at least 13 people dead, and investigators are looking into possible ties to the Pakistan-based group Jaish‑e‑Mohammad.

The diaries "that could solve the blast conspiracy belonged to Dr Umar Mohammad and Dr Muzammil Shakeel", officials said. They were found in room number 13 of building 17 at the university; Dr Muzammil is said to have lived in that room. According to sources, the entries repeatedly mention the word “operation” and include encrypted references to “package” and “shipment”, terms investigators say were code for explosives, including ammonium nitrate, oxide and fuel oil.

How is the university linked to the blast?

Dr Muzammil is one of three doctors from Al Falah University arrested in relation to the case, while Umar was confirmed through DNA matching as the driver of the Hyundai i20 that exploded near the Red Fort. According to official sources, the terror suspects “communicated with their foreign handlers and received instructions through encrypted channels”.

Room 13 of the university and an adjacent laboratory are now pivotal to the investigation. It is alleged to have been “the secret meeting point for Dr Umar, Dr Adeel and Dr Shaheen”, with evidence suggesting the chemical used in the bomb-making was sourced from the lab just a few metres away from Dr Muzammil’s room. The forensic team has recovered chemical traces and digital data from these locations.

What is the university saying?

The university has issued a statement saying it has “no connection” with the terror suspects.

Investigators are now working through the coded diaries to decipher names, dates and contact networks. Earlier reports suggest the module was planning larger attacks, with the diaries revealing symbols and dates between November 8 and 12. 
(With agency inputs)