‘Sleeper cell in white coats’: How a poster in Srinagar led to the busting of a terror plot

The accused have been booked under the Arms Act and UAPA, as investigators now focus on tracing the supply chain and dismantling the broader network. (File photo)

The Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP), in a major counter-terror breakthrough, have busted a radicalised network of medical professionals allegedly plotting large-scale terror attacks across India. The operation led to the recovery of a massive cache of explosives and weapons from Faridabad, near Delhi, exposing what officials describe as a “sleeper cell” functioning under professional cover.

The investigation began in Srinagar’s Nogaum area after a poster warning locals against cooperating with central agencies surfaced, as per a CNN-News18 report.

CCTV footage traced the suspect to Saharanpur, where he was identified as Dr Adeel, a Kashmiri-origin doctor. His interrogation revealed a larger nexus of radicalised medics active across Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana.

According to officials, the group began forming in 2021-22 under a man named Hashim, later reorganised by Dr Omar in the Valley, it has been learnt from the report. Adeel acted as a recruiter and link to Dr Muzzamil, who operated a medical facility in Faridabad.

Acting on Adeel’s disclosures, JKP and Haryana Police carried out raids that resulted in the seizure of 350 kg of ammonium nitrate, chemicals used for IEDs, an AK-47 rifle with magazines, a pistol with live rounds, and other ammunition. Earlier, another AK-47 had been recovered from Dr Adeel’s locker at the Government Medical College in Anantnag.

Further searches in Dhaouj village near Faridabad led investigators to Al-Fala College, a private medical institution allegedly funded by Gulf donors. Police suspect Dr Muzzamil’s links to the institution and believe the premises were used to conceal explosives.

As per officials cited in the report, the group planned to form its own militant outfit, ideologically aligned with Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, and had identified Delhi-NCR as a potential target zone.

The accused have been booked under the Arms Act and UAPA, as investigators now focus on tracing the supply chain and dismantling the broader network.