Delhi Blast Probe: How Accused Doctors Fund Raised Rs 26 Lakh, Built Chemical Supply Chain

Last Updated:November 23, 2025, 07:07 IST

Investigators have found that this group of radicalised doctors spent nearly two years acquiring explosives and remote-triggering devices for the terror plot.

Investigators probing the white-collar terrorism angle in the Delhi Red Fort blast case have uncovered a disturbing financial and operational trail involving a network of educated professionals. According to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the group of doctors allegedly raised Rs 26 lakh to finance a conspiracy aimed at executing coordinated terror attacks across multiple Indian cities.

One of the key accused, Muzammil Ganaie, is said to have detailed during interrogation how the fund was pooled over time. Ganaie reportedly contributed Rs 5 lakh, while Adeel Ahmad Rather and his brother Muzaffar Ahmad Rather allegedly added Rs 8 lakh and Rs 6 lakh respectively. Another doctor, Shaheen Shahid, is believed to have provided Rs 5 lakh, with Dr Umar Un-Nabi Mohammad contributing Rs 2 lakh.

Officials stated that the entire fund was handed over to Umar, hinting at a central role in the procurement and execution phases.

Investigators have found that this group spent nearly two years acquiring explosives and remote-triggering devices, indicating meticulous planning. “They were not building explosives overnight; this was a methodical operation,” an NIA official told HT.

Procurement of ammonium nitrate and urea

Ganaie is also accused of procuring 26 quintals of NPK fertiliser from Gurugram and Nuh for around Rs 3 lakh. This fertiliser, along with stockpiled ammonium nitrate and urea, was allegedly converted into explosive material under the supervision of Umar, who is believed to have overseen the technical aspects of the plot.

Umar is also accused of arranging remote detonators and electronic circuitry, pointing to a clear division of responsibilities within the module. “Umar handled the technical part, while others focused on funding and logistics,” an investigator noted.

So far, three doctors – Ganaie, Shahid and Adeel Rather – have been arrested. Muzaffar Rather, suspected to be part of the same network, is believed to be in Afghanistan, complicating efforts to bring him into custody.

Authorities are also searching for Nissar ul-Hassan, a colleague of the accused at Al-Falah Medical College, where several of the suspects worked together. Umar, meanwhile, is accused of detonating the explosive cache in a Hyundai i20 near Red Fort on 10 November, narrowly evading security forces after the blast.

What is NIA doing?

According to NIA officials, the alleged confession has helped connect several previously isolated leads. The large quantities of recovered materials have strengthened suspicions of plans for serial blasts, not merely a one-off attack. “The stockpile they amassed cannot be used for a single explosion,” an officer told HT.

Officials emphasised that a confession becomes legally valid only when made before a magistrate. The agency is now focusing on tracing upstream suppliers, examining whether the accused misused their professional credentials, and uncovering the full extent of the network.

“It appears to be a deeply embedded module operating under academic cover. The aim now is to uncover every node,” an officer added.

Shuddhantha Patra

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public…Read More

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public… Read More

Read More