How did Al-Falah University hire Kashmiri doctor sacked for terror links? Investigators probe multiple angles

The investigation into the deadly Red Fort car blast and the exposure of a “doctor terror module” has now turned towards Dr Nisar-ul-Hassan, a Kashmiri doctor who was terminated from government service in 2023 on terror charges, who has now gone missing from Faridabad.

Dr Hassan, a former Associate Professor at Srinagar’s SMHS Hospital, was terminated by the Jammu and Kashmir administration under Article 311(2)(c) of the Constitution, which allows the government to remove employees without inquiry in cases related to state security.

After his dismissal, he joined Al-Falah University in Faridabad as a professor in the Department of Medicine.

Al-Falah University under scrutiny

Investigating agencies are now examining whether the university, or its network of medical professionals, was used as a front by the terror module. Dr Hassan’s sudden disappearance following the November 10 Red Fort blast has added to suspicions of his possible involvement in the network of radicalised professionals accused of providing logistical support for terror operations.

They are also examining any links between Dr Hassan and Dr Umar Nabi, a Pulwama resident who carried out the car bombing near the Red Fort.

University denies any links

In a statement, Al-Falah University’s Vice-Chancellor said the institution “has no connection with the said persons apart from them working in their official capacities with the University,” and that it is fully cooperating with investigators. Central agencies have allegedly sought staff and student records linked to the doctors under investigation.

Network of doctors under scanner

The probe has revealed that the group allegedly used professionals and students as undercover operatives in key Indian cities to create safe houses, move materials, and avoid detection.

Among those already arrested are Dr Shaheen Saeed, Dr Muzammil Shakeel Ganai, and Dr Adeel Rather, all medical professionals believed to be associated with Al-Falah University.

The development comes amid an ongoing investigation into the recovery of 2,900 kg of explosives from a Faridabad house rented by another Kashmiri doctor, Dr. Adeel Rather, believed to have overseen logistics for the same network.

Officials believe several doctors from Pulwama, Shopian, and Anantnag districts provided a “white-collar cover” for the group, helping it operate across the Delhi-NCR region.

The network is suspected to have maintained secret storage points in Dhauj and Fatehpur Taga villages in Faridabad, where explosives were kept in batches before being moved for planned attacks.