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New Delhi: Nearly three weeks after the terror blast outside the iconic Red Fort, the investigation has widened dramatically, with security agencies tightening their focus on Haryana’s Faridabad-based Al Falah University, where three key accused were employed. Officials confirmed that at least 50 staff members — including nearly 30 doctors — have been questioned so far, as investigators race to reconstruct the movements, contacts and logistical network of the prime accused, Umar Nabi, in the days leading up to the attack.

In a significant development, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested a ward boy named Soyab, who was working at the university, for allegedly providing logistical support to Umar before the blast. His arrest is seen as a crucial link in understanding how the terror module functioned inside the campus ecosystem.

Doctors, Clerics and Bombers: Inside the Terror Module

Apart from Umar, investigators have confirmed that two other key members of the now-busted Jaish-e-Mohammed terror module — Dr Muzammil Ganai of Pahalgam and Dr Shaheen Shahid Ansari of Lucknow — were also working at Al Falah University at the time.

The remaining arrested members include Dr Adeel Rather, who was employed at a private hospital in Saharanpur, and Kashmir-based cleric Mufti Irfan Wagay, adding to the concern over the group’s deep professional and ideological network.

Hospitals Across Delhi Put on Alert

The probe has now expanded beyond the university campus to private hospitals across Delhi. Highly placed sources revealed that security agencies have formally instructed hospitals to submit records of doctors who obtained MBBS degrees from Bangladesh, the UAE, China or Pakistan and are currently practising in Delhi.

Officials clarified that the move is part of a broader exercise to map professional networks and identify possible links that may help establish the broader conspiracy behind the blast. “We suspect that Umar’s network extended beyond Al Falah University,” a senior official said, while adding, “At this stage, the exercise is only preliminary and exploratory.”

Crucial Breakthrough: Mobile Phone Recovered from Pulwama Drain

A breakthrough in the investigation came with the recovery of Umar’s mobile phone from a drain in Pulwama by the Jammu and Kashmir Police. The device has yielded vital digital clues, including details of his contacts within the university, officials said.

The Delhi Police Special Cell, which has registered a separate case to probe what it describes as a “deeper conspiracy” behind the Red Fort blast, has now accessed the call detail records (CDRs).
“Based on these records, several staffers have been summoned to explain the nature of their interactions with Umar and to help us understand his behavioural pattern,” an official involved in the probe said.

University Distances Itself

Earlier, Al Falah University had publicly distanced itself from the accused, stating that it had “no connection with the said persons apart from them being employed in official capacities”, and had termed reports linking the institution to the terror module as “baseless and defamatory.”

Hostel Rooms Sealed, CCTV Footage Under Review

Investigators have currently sealed two rooms in Building No. 17 of the boys’ hostel, previously occupied by Umar and Dr Ganai. The duo was also found to have keys to a rented room near the university, from where agencies reportedly recovered several hundred kilograms of explosive-making material.

Meanwhile, CCTV footage from multiple campus locations is being scrutinised. Staff questioning is expected to continue over the next few weeks.
“Some employees were examined on campus, others were questioned at their residences, while several were summoned to agency offices,” a person familiar with the investigation said.

Mysterious Behaviour Raises Red Flags

Testimonies gathered so far depict a man who was withdrawn, erratic and difficult to assess.
“Umar was rude, unpredictable and spoke very little,” an official said. “Sometimes he would ignore colleagues completely, while at other times he would be unexpectedly informal. Overall, he remained a highly mysterious figure.”