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.

“The selection of the astronaut will be done by ISRO; NASA won’t be a part of it. Details of the mission are being worked out by ISRO,” Nelson stated. He praised India’s achievements, acknowledging its position as a valuable partner for the United States. Nelson also commended India for being the first to land on the Moon’s south pole.

During the visit, the NASA chief expressed the United States’ readiness to collaborate with India in constructing the country’s first space station, should India express the desire to do so by 2040. Additionally, Nelson discussed the potential for interplanetary missions with ISRO, expressing NASA’s willingness to plan such ventures based on India’s preferences.

Addressing Indo-US collaboration, Nelson emphasized ongoing scientific endeavors, including the joint venture to launch the Nasa-Isro Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR), a satellite valued at nearly $1 billion, in the first quarter of the coming year. NISAR will provide crucial information about Earth’s surface changes, climate, and more, with data accessible to the public on NASA’s website.

Nelson also recognized the opportunity for private astronaut missions for Indian astronauts and urged India to expedite the program to send its first astronaut aboard a NASA rocket to the ISS. The NASA chief reiterated the commitment to a two-week joint India-US space flight scheduled for the next year, building on discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden earlier in the year.

During the visit, Nelson reminisced about his experiences seeing India from space during his shuttle mission in 1986, expressing excitement about meeting cosmonaut Rakesh Sharma in Bengaluru. He shared anecdotes about conducting experiments in space and running on a treadmill, demonstrating the unique challenges and experiences of astronauts.

On a broader scale, Nelson discussed India signing the Artemis Accord, emphasizing the importance of maintaining safety, aiding each other in emergencies, promoting peaceful activities in space, and respecting each other’s space-related endeavors among the 32 nations that have signed the accord.

Bill Nelson, the 14th NASA Administrator and a former US senator, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having flown to space on board the Columbia shuttle 38 years ago. His visit further solidifies the collaboration between India and the United States in the realm of space exploration and research.