The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested Jasir Bilal Wani, an alleged key co-conspirator linked to the Red Fort car blast, which claimed 13 lives on November 10. The agency took Wani into custody in Srinagar after he allegedly collaborated with suicide bomber Umar un Nabi.

Wani, a resident of Qazigund in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, provided technical support for terror operations. His role included modifying drones and trying to fabricate rockets ahead of the tragic explosion. According to the NIA, Wani operates under the alias Danish.

The investigation into the Red Fort car blast expands as the NIA aims to unravel the conspiracy behind this heinous act. Investigators are probing multiple leads to identify all individuals associated with the terror plot, underscoring concerns about an interstate network linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed.

In earlier interrogations, Wani revealed that Umar had radicalised him over several months, convincing him to become a suicide bomber. The two met at a mosque in Kulgam last year. Their ensuing discussions led Wani to a rented accommodation near Al Falah University in Faridabad, Haryana.

Wani’s initial task was to function as an over-ground worker (OGW) for Jaish-e-Mohammed. However, Umar pushed him towards conducting a suicide attack. Wani ultimately backed out in April, citing financial struggles and his belief that suicide violated Islamic teachings.

This new arrest sheds light on the ongoing probe into a sophisticated interstate terrorist network linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed. Law enforcement agencies are urgently seeking further connections and possible future threats.

Umar, a 28-year-old from Pulwama, emerged as a significant figure within this network, which spans across Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Authorities believe he was planning a powerful VBIED (vehicle-borne improvised explosive device) attack, which could coincide with the December 6 anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition.

According to officials, Umar aimed to detonate the bomb either at a bustling location in Delhi or at a crowded religious site—and then disappear into the night.

Wani’s interrogation indicates that Umar’s radicalisation intensified following a 2021 trip to Turkiye with fellow accused Dr. Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie. Upon their return, the two, who are both associated with Al Falah University, began acquiring large amounts of chemicals, including 360 kg of ammonium nitrate and other explosive materials.

The December plot’s collapse began with a police investigation that led to Ganaie’s arrest and the recovery of explosives. This prompted panic within Umar’s ranks and culminated in the Red Fort blast, which tragically took 13 lives.

The unraveling of this interstate terror network started on October 19, following the appearance of Jaish-e-Mohammed posters in Bunpora and Nowgam areas near Srinagar. Police response, including a review of CCTV footage, resulted in the arrest of three locals who had been involved in past stone-pelting incidents.

The interrogation of these individuals led to the arrest of a former paramedic-turned-Imam, Maulvi Irfan Ahmad, from Shopian. Authorities allege that he played a crucial role in disseminating the posters and radicalising the doctors involved in the terror plans.

The NIA continues its extensive inquiry, focusing on dismantling the operational capabilities of Jaish-e-Mohammed in India.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday chaired the 32nd meeting of the Northern Zonal Council here and discussed issues concerning the states and Union territories of the region.

The Northern Zonal Council comprises the states and Union territories of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Chandigarh.

Chief Ministers Nayab Singh Saini (Haryana), Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (Himachal Pradesh), Bhagwant Mann (Punjab), Bhajan Lal Sharma (Rajasthan), Rekha Gupta (Delhi), Omar Abdullah (J&K), Punjab Governor and Administrator of Chandigarh Gulab Chand Kataria, Lieutenant Governors Manoj Sinha (J&K) and V K Saxena (Delhi) attended the meeting, officials said.

Issues like education, health, water, electricity, speedy investigation of cases of sexual offences against women and children, among others were discussed at the meeting, they said.

At the outset, the meeting observed a minute of silence to pay respect to those who lost their lives in the November 10 blast near the Red Fort.

Senior officials from the central and state governments and Union territories also attended the meeting.

The zonal councils provide an excellent forum for resolving and progressing issues and disputes between the Centre and the member states and Union territories, among the member states and Union territories, and within the zone, an official said.

In the meeting of the zonal council, broad issues of national importance, including the speedy investigation of cases of sexual offences against women and children and the implementation of Fast Track Special Courts (FTSC) for their swift disposal are discussed.

Various regional-level common interest issues, such as strengthening nutrition, education, health, electricity, urban planning, and the cooperative system are also be discussed in the meeting.

The Northern Zonal Council is among the five zonal councils established under sections 15 to 22 of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956.

The Union home minister is the chairperson of the Northern Zonal Council. The chief minister of one member state (rotating every year) acts as the vice-chairperson.

From each member state, the governor nominates two ministers as members of the council.

Each Zonal Council has also formed a permanent committee at the level of chief secretaries.

Issues proposed by the states are initially presented to the permanent committee of the Zonal Council concerned for discussion. After consideration by the permanent committee, the remaining issues are then presented to the Zonal Council meeting for further deliberation.

The role of the zonal councils is advisory. However, over the past few years, these councils have proven to be an important factor in promoting healthy bonds of mutual understanding and cooperation in various fields.

With the cooperation of all state governments, central ministries and departments, a total of 63 meetings of the various zonal councils and their permanent committees have been held in the last 11 years, the official said. (Agencies)

Hundreds of devotees thronged the Lord Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala on Monday, marking the auspicious first day of the Malayalam month Vrischikam and the beginning of the annual Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season. The temple witnessed a heavy rush of pilgrims from various states, eagerly waiting to offer prayers and seek blessings.

Pilgrims dressed in traditional black attire carried the sacred irumudikkettu, a symbolic offering for the deity. Starting just before dawn, the temple gates opened at 3 a.m., officiated by the newly appointed melsanthi, E.D. Prasad Namboothiri, amid the melodious chants of Lord Ayyappa’s hymns echoing through the temple complex.

The auspicious opening ceremony included the presence of tantri Kantararu Mahesh Mohanaru and officials from the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB). TDB Secretary P.N. Ganeswaran Potti and Sabarimala Executive Officer O.G. Biju joined the festivities, highlighting the robust preparations made ahead of the high holy season.

The newly opened shrine witnessed long queues that stretched across the nadapandal, the sacred pathway leading to the temple, and the sopanam, the holy steps. After the opening, the rituals commenced with Nirmalya Abhishekam, Ganapathi Homam, and Neyyabhishekam, creating a spiritually enriching atmosphere.

As part of the pilgrimage schedule, the Sabarimala temple will have a unique timetable, closing at 1 p.m. and reopening at 3 p.m., eventually concluding the day with the chanting of “Harivarasanam,” the sacred lullaby of Lord Ayyappa, at 11 p.m. This year’s pilgrimage season will run for two months, attracting a multitude of devotees from across the globe.

Prior to Monday’s opening, a ceremonial opening took place on Sunday evening to welcome the pilgrims. The TDB anticipates even greater crowds this year, capping the number of daily pilgrims at 90,000 to ensure a smooth experience. This includes a mix of 70,000 through a virtual queue system and 20,000 available for spot bookings.

The Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season stands as a significant event in the religious calendar, drawing thousands who consider it a sacred journey. For many devotees, this pilgrimage symbolizes faith, devotion, and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) presented an accused in the Red Fort blast case, Amir Rashid Ali, before a Delhi court on Monday. The court hearing took place amid stringent security protocols to ensure the safety and integrity of the proceedings, reflecting the serious nature of the allegations.

Amir Rashid Ali’s appearance before the Principal District and Sessions Judge marks a significant moment in this high-profile case. Media personnel were barred from entering the courtroom, preventing any revelations about the case details during the preliminary hearings. The court’s decision on further procedures remains pending, and updates are awaited.

The incident at the heart of this case occurred on November 10, when an explosives-laden vehicle detonated near the historic Red Fort in Delhi. The explosion tragically resulted in the death of 13 individuals and injured numerous others, causing widespread panic and raising severe security concerns.

According to investigations, officials identified the vehicle’s driver as Umar Nabi, a doctor from the Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir. Law enforcement agencies have linked Nabi to a “white-collar” terror module that was dismantled following the recovery of explosives in Faridabad, Haryana. This connection raises critical questions regarding the depth and reach of terror networks operating in the region.

This case underscores the increasing complexities surrounding national security and how such incidents affect public safety and trust. The NIA’s thorough investigations aim to uncover more about the network behind the bombing and the motivations for the attack.

As the case continues to unfold, officials emphasize the importance of maintaining security and vigilance in sensitive areas like the Red Fort, a significant historical site in India. The NIA remains under pressure to provide clarity on the developments, as both the media and public anticipate further disclosures.

In the coming days, legal experts and analysts will likely monitor the proceedings closely, given the potential implications for national security policies. The outcome of Amir Rashid Ali’s case could pave the way for broader discussions on counter-terrorism strategies within India’s judicial framework.

Further updates regarding this ongoing investigation are expected. The NIA continues to pursue all leads to ensure accountability and justice concerning this devastating attack.

The Delhi Police has issued two summons to Al Falah University chairman in connection with the ongoing probe into the Faridabad terror module case and the two cases registered against the university for forgery and cheating, an official said on Monday.

The summons were sent after investigators found that the university’s chairman Javed Ahmad Siddiqui’s statement was crucial for clarifying several inconsistencies linked to the functioning of the university and the activities of individuals associated with the institution.

The Crime Branch has already registered two FIRs against the Haryana-based university for cheating and forgery, following serious red flags raised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) on Saturday.

Officials said both regulatory bodies flagged “major irregularities” after reviewing the university’s accreditation claims and submitted their findings to law enforcement agencies.

“The FIRs pertain to alleged false accreditation documents and claims made by the university. The matter is being investigated in detail,” a senior officer said.

Police sources said that the issuance of summons to Siddiqui is part of a wider line of inquiry that overlaps with the ongoing investigation into the blast near the Red Fort last week.

Several suspects linked to the blast are believed to have had associations with the university, prompting investigators to examine institutional records, financial transactions and administrative approvals.

Further investigation is underway. (Agencies)