An Imam from Shopian, Jammu and Kashmir, identified as Irfan Ahmad Wagah, has been arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation into the Faridabad explosives case and the blast near Delhi’s Red Fort. His arrest, made on Tuesday, November 12, marks a major breakthrough in the multi-agency probe targeting an emerging network of radicalisation among educated professionals.
Joint Operation by CIK and Srinagar Police
The Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) and Srinagar Police jointly carried out a raid at Wagah’s residence in Nowgam. Both he and his wife were detained on suspicion of recruiting and radicalising doctors and youth across Kashmir. Authorities allege that several medical professionals already arrested in the Faridabad terror module had direct links with Wagah’s network.
Who Is Irfan Ahmad Wagah?
Wagah, formerly employed as a paramedical staff at Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, also served as an Imam in Nowgam. According to intelligence sources, he was deeply involved in spreading extremist ideology among medical and academic circles.
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Investigators believe his wife had close ties with Dr Shaheen, a doctor connected to the Faridabad module, who allegedly helped form a female wing of the banned terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
Digital Evidence and Radical Content
During the raid, officials seized multiple phones and digital devices containing messages and documents that promoted radical beliefs and violent objectives. These materials, according to investigators, provided further proof of Wagah’s role in guiding educated youth toward extremist agendas.
Link to Delhi Blast Suspects
The investigation has revealed that Wagah maintained communication with Dr Muzammil Shakeel, an associate of Dr Mohammad Umar, believed to be the mastermind behind the Red Fort blast. Shakeel, who worked at Al Falah University in Faridabad’s Dhauj area, allegedly used rooms provided by Wagah for covert operations.
Police sources confirmed that Wagah acted as a key coordinator, maintaining close contact with Muzammil and Umar, and facilitating their logistical and ideological communication.
Under the Radar After JeM Posters in Nowgam
Authorities began tracking Wagah after Jaish-e-Mohammed posters surfaced in Bunpora, Nowgam, on October 19. Interrogation of detained suspects led investigators to identify the Imam as the distributor of the posters.
Reports suggest his religious sermons often carried extremist undertones, disguised as religious discourse or community service initiatives, targeting professionals and youth for recruitment.
White-Collar Terrorism Network Exposed
Officials describe this case as a striking example of “white-collar terrorism,” where educated individuals — including doctors and academics — allegedly supported banned militant groups such as JeM and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind.
Recovered messages hint at a multi-state terror plot, with plans for coordinated attacks across India. Investigators say the group sought to avenge the deaths of Jaish chief Masood Azhar’s relatives during Operation Sindoor in Pakistan.
Major Plot Foiled
Authorities believe that Wagah’s arrest has thwarted a significant terror conspiracy, exposing a new and dangerous intersection between education, faith, and radicalisation. The investigation remains ongoing as agencies continue to uncover the deeper network behind this radical web.
