350 Kg Explosives, Rifle Found Near Delhi: 2 J&K Doctors Arrested in Major Anti-Terror Operation
Faridabad/New Delhi:
In a significant counter-terror breakthrough, security agencies have uncovered a massive cache of explosives and arms near the national capital. The Jammu and Kashmir Police, in collaboration with the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Faridabad Police, seized nearly 350 kilograms of explosive material, an AK-47 rifle, and a large quantity of ammunition from a rented residence in Dhauj village, Faridabad.
According to officials, the joint operation was launched following critical leads developed from the interrogation of suspects in Jammu and Kashmir. The recovered materials—identified as ammonium nitrate and various components used to assemble Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)—were reportedly capable of creating several high-intensity blasts.
Two Doctors Linked to the Plot
Investigations have revealed that the explosives were stored by Dr. Mujahil Shakil, a medical student at Al Falah Medical College in Faridabad, originally from Jammu and Kashmir. Shakil had rented the property three months ago and was taken into custody after police found the stockpile. He is the second medical professional to be arrested within two weeks in connection with the same network.
Earlier, the Jammu and Kashmir Police had arrested Dr. Adil Ahmad Rather, formerly posted at the Government Medical College, Anantnag. Rather was accused of putting up posters supporting the banned terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Srinagar. CCTV footage helped trace him to Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, where he was detained last week. During searches at his locker in Anantnag, an AK-47 rifle and ammunition were found.
Crucial revelations made during Rather’s questioning led investigators to Faridabad, where the massive explosives cache was discovered at Shakil’s rented house.
Explosives and Arms Recovered
The recovery included 14 bags of ammonium nitrate weighing about 100 kg, 84 live cartridges, 20 timers, a pistol with three magazines, and five litres of chemical solution suspected to be used in bomb-making. A walkie-talkie set and 48 IED assembly components were also seized. Officials said the seized chemicals and detonating devices could have been used to create multiple high-intensity IEDs, capable of inflicting mass casualties in crowded areas.
Faridabad Police Commissioner Satender Kumar Gupta clarified that while early reports suggested the presence of RDX, forensic testing has confirmed the material to be ammonium nitrate. “It’s not RDX, but ammonium nitrate—a highly explosive substance. A detailed forensic analysis is underway,” he stated.
Cross-Border Network Suspected
Preliminary investigation suggests that both doctors are part of a larger terror module with cross-border links. Authorities believe the group was plotting large-scale attacks in northern India. The network is also suspected of using medical and educational institutions as cover for recruitment and logistical support.
A senior Jammu and Kashmir Police officer described the discovery as “a major breakthrough that may have prevented a catastrophic attack in or around Delhi.”
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is expected to formally join the probe to trace the module’s funding channels and possible handlers across the border.
Security Tightened Across Delhi-NCR
Following the recovery, security agencies have heightened alert levels across Delhi-NCR. Special teams are monitoring movements in border districts of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to locate potential associates. Intelligence agencies are also examining communication devices seized from the accused to track digital trails and encrypted messages.
Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activity to local police. “This operation has shown the importance of public alertness and inter-agency coordination,” said a senior IB official.
The dramatic bust underscores how terror networks are increasingly attempting to recruit educated professionals, using their technical expertise for sophisticated operations. With the probe widening, investigators are now racing to uncover the full scale of the plot that brought 350 kilograms of explosives alarmingly close to the nation’s capital.
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