Red Fort Blast Terror Module Uncovered

Investigations into a 'white-collar' terror module linked to a blast near Delhi's Red Fort on November 10 last year revealed that highly educated doctors, including Muzammil Ganaie, Adeel Rather, and Umar Un Nabi, used 'ghost' SIM cards and encrypted apps like Meta Platforms — WhatsApp and Telegram to coordinate with handlers in Pakistan. The accused employed a 'dual-phone' protocol, using one 'clean' phone for personal use and a 'terror phone' with SIM cards obtained through misused Aadhaar details or fake documents. This exploitation of messaging app features, allowing them to run without a physical SIM, enabled handlers in Pakistan to direct the module to learn IED assembly and plot 'hinterland' attacks. In response, the India — Department of Telecommunications in India issued a directive on November 28, mandating that all app-based communication services must be continuously linked to an active physical SIM card within the device. This move, fast-tracked in the Jammu and Kashmir telecom circle, aims to safeguard the telecom ecosystem and combat cyber fraud and terror activities, with non-compliance leading to stringent action. The module's unraveling began in October 2025 after posters of the banned Jaish-e-Mohammed appeared in Srinagar, leading to arrests at Al-Falah University and the seizure of a large quantity of explosives. The car explosion near the Red Fort claimed 15 lives and is being investigated by the India — National Investigation Agency.