Red Fort terror case: Kanpur doctor Arif arrested, phone records show links to Dr Shaheen – what we know

New Delhi: The investigation into the Red Fort car blast, which killed at least eight people and injured 20 others on 10 November 2025, has intensified with the detention of Dr Mohammad Arif by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Delhi Police Special Cell, and Jammu and Kashmir Police.

Dr Arif, a NEET-SS 2024 batch student from Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir, pursued his education at Al-Falah University in Faridabad. Authorities said he was in regular contact with Dr Shaheen Shahid, a Lucknow-based doctor arrested last week, who is emerging as a key link in the Red Fort blast and the associated Faridabad terror module.

Investigators traced Arif’s connection through Shaheen’s phone records, revealing his involvement in communication and coordination within the terror module. Sources indicated that Shaheen Shahid, a medical professional, may have played a central role in recruiting or coordinating activities for the terror module tied to Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AguH).

Earlier, authorities had arrested Dr Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie (also referred to as Muzammil Shakeel), following the recovery of a large cache of explosives, an AK-47 rifle, and significant ammunition from a rented property in Dhauj village, Faridabad. Another doctor linked to the module, Nisar-ul-Hassan, remains missing since the day of the blast. Nisar-ul-Hassan had previously been employed at Al-Falah University after being dismissed by the Jammu and Kashmir administration over alleged terror links.

The Red Fort blast itself involved a Hyundai i20, reportedly bearing a Haryana registration number. CCTV footage showed the driver wearing a black mask, highlighting premeditation and concealment. Security agencies are now investigating how the vehicle, explosives, and personnel were coordinated across states, indicating a cross-state terror network.

The Faridabad terror module was exposed after a targeted operation by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, highlighting connections to terror outfits operating in Pakistan. Authorities are working to ascertain the full scope of the module, including its recruitment strategies, possible training, and funding sources.

Amid the ongoing investigation, the Al-Falah University website was reportedly hacked, reflecting tensions and possible attempts to intimidate or disrupt investigative processes. The probe remains active, with agencies meticulously examining phone records, financial transactions, and digital footprints to prevent further terror threats.

Security experts noted that the Red Fort blast underscores the persistent risk posed by cross-border terror networks exploiting civilian institutions as recruitment hubs. The coordinated efforts by Delhi Police, UP ATS, and J&K Police aim to dismantle the module and bring all perpetrators to justice. Authorities have reiterated that investigations are ongoing, and more arrests or revelations could follow as forensic and intelligence inputs continue to be analysed.

This case has raised national security concerns, prompting closer scrutiny of educational institutions and professional networks in terror-related recruitment and operations. The authorities’ focus remains on ensuring accountability for the Red Fort blast while neutralising the larger threat posed by affiliated terror modules.