'University has no connection': Al-Falah group distances itself from arrested doctors amid probe on Red Fort car blast

The Al Falah group that manages Al-Falah University in Haryana's Faridabad, in a statement on Wednesday (Nov 12), said that they have “no connection” with the arrested doctors, apart from working with them in their official capacities. Al-Falah University has under intense scrutiny in the investigation of the Red Fort car blast, with several of its associated doctors arrested for alleged involvement in a "white-collar terror network." A day earlier, the official website of Al-Falah University was reportedly hacked. The hackers posted a warning message and said that those employed in the university should not engage in “anti-national activities.” In its message, the hackers also said that such institutions should not be allowed in India. The primary name from the hospital that is being tied to the Red Fort blast is of Dr Muzzamil Shakeel and Dr Shaheen Shahid. Several other doctors employed at Al-Falah University are reportedly under investigation.

Al Falah group's statement

"Our University has been conducting various academic and professional courses and has been training undergraduate MBBS students since 2019. The doctors trained and graduated from our institution are presently serving in reputed hospitals, institutions, and organizations across India and abroad, holding responsible and distinguished positions," it said.

"We are deeply saddened and anguished by the unfortunate developments that took place and condemn the same. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the innocent people affected by these distressing events," the statement said.

"We have also learnt that two of our doctors have been detained by the Investigating Agencies. We wish to make it clear that the University has no connection with the said persons apart from them working in their official capacities with the University," it said.

Condemning baseless reports in media, the statement added, “The University also notes with deep concern that certain online platforms are circulating baseless and misleading stories with the clear intent of maligning the reputation and goodwill of the University. We strongly condemn and categorically deny all such false and defamatory allegations.”

Red Fort car blast

On Monday (Nov 11), a massive blast in a Hyundai i20 rocked Delhi, near the iconic Red Fort, killing at least eight people and injuring 20 others. CCTV footage revealed that the the vehicle had a Haryana registration number and the first owner of the car, Mohd Salman, has been arrested identified. CCTV footage also showed the first visual of the suspect wearing a black mask. Another footage showed him wearing a blue-and-black T-shirt. As per reports, the car was parked near the Red Fort for three hours before the blast. Investigation revealed that Salman reportedly sold to vehicle to a person in Okhla, who then sold it to a resident of Ambala. The car was then sold to another person from Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama. The police have detained around three individuals in Pulwama for questioning in the matter.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that investigative agencies are “exploring all possibilities and will conduct a thorough investigation, taking all possibilities into account.” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that those responsible for the deadly blast “will not be spared” and “will be brought to justice”. He made the remarks in English during his visit to Bhutan. “Today, I come here with a very heavy heart. The horrific incident that took place in Delhi yesterday evening has deeply saddened everyone. I understand the grief of the affected families. The entire nation stands with them today,” PM Modi said.

Faridabad terror module

Earlier on Nov 9, around 350 kilogram of explosives, an AK-47 rifle, as well a large cache of ammunition was recovered in a joint operation by the police forces of Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir, along with the Intelligence Bureau (IB) recovered from Faridabad, an NCR city near Delhi. The cops seized 360 kgs of inflammable material, possibly ammonium nitrate, and ammunition. Nearly 3,000 kg of IED-making material was also recovered. The recoveries and arrests point to the existence of what police described as a ‘white-collar terror ecosystem’, with links to Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and the al-Qaeda-linked Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGuH).