Faridabad/Delhi, November 29, 2025: The investigation into the November 10 Delhi blast has uncovered alarming revelations regarding the involvement of Dr Shaheen Shahid, a former pharmacologist at Al-Falah University. Shahid, arrested as part of the “white-collar terror module,” reportedly intended to recruit women to participate in carrying out the terrorist act, police sources confirmed. The ongoing probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has highlighted the sophisticated planning and network-building allegedly undertaken by Shahid and her associates.

According to officials from the Faridabad police, the NIA brought Shahid to the Al-Falah University campus on Thursday to conduct on-site questioning and reconstruct her movements and contacts at the institution. It was during this questioning that Shahid reportedly disclosed her intention to recruit women for the execution of the attack, indicating an organized and premeditated strategy targeting the national capital.

Recoveries and Evidence

During the NIA-led investigation, a significant cache of assets was recovered from Shahid’s hostel room at the university. Police sources revealed that the agency seized ₹18.5 lakh in cash, several gold biscuits, and foreign currency. These findings suggest the presence of a well-funded operation, potentially linked to financing and logistical support for the terror plot. The recovery has prompted further scrutiny into Shahid’s financial transactions and potential networks beyond the university.

Earlier in the week, the NIA had also brought two other suspects, Dr Muzammil and Dr Adil Ahmad, to the university for identification and on-site verification of their activities. Both had been arrested in connection with the case, with the agency focusing on establishing links between Shahid and these individuals. Sources indicate that the investigative team plans to conduct further questioning of the accused to map the full extent of the network involved in the terror module.

International Connection

Investigators have noted that Shahid spent four years in Saudi Arabia, working as a professor at a medical college between 2014 and 2018. This period is now under close scrutiny, as the NIA seeks to determine whether she developed connections or acquired expertise during her tenure abroad that could have facilitated her involvement in terrorist activities in India. While no concrete links to international terror organizations have been disclosed so far, officials have not ruled out the possibility of cross-border collaboration in the planning of the November 10 attack.

Campus Investigation

During her on-site questioning, Shahid was taken to various locations within Al-Falah University, including the medical ward, classroom, and her personal cabin. The purpose of this exercise, according to a senior police officer, was to gather detailed information about her day-to-day activities, interactions with students and staff, and potential recruitment efforts. Investigators prepared a comprehensive list of individuals with whom Shahid had interacted, aiming to identify accomplices and expand the probe into the terror module’s operational network.

Additionally, the NIA team visited a chemical shop reportedly linked to Dr Muzammil, from where he allegedly procured materials used in the preparation of explosives. This site inspection was a critical part of the investigation, as it helped establish the chain of procurement and the role of Shahid and her associates in sourcing materials essential for the execution of the attack. The agency spent approximately four hours on the campus conducting questioning, verification, and site identification before taking Shahid back to Delhi at around 9:00 pm.

Network-Building and Recruitment Efforts

A senior police officer involved in the investigation stated that Shahid was actively engaged in creating a network while at Al-Falah University. According to the officer, she allegedly leveraged her academic position to establish contacts and recruit individuals who could be mobilized for terror-related activities. The revelation that Shahid aimed to involve women in the mission has raised serious concerns about the methods used to radicalize and involve unsuspecting participants in such operations.

The investigation has highlighted the sophisticated nature of the “white-collar terror module,” which appears to rely not only on financial and logistical resources but also on personal networks cultivated within academic and professional environments. The involvement of women in the planned operation suggests a deliberate attempt to exploit societal assumptions and vulnerabilities, potentially enabling the perpetrators to circumvent conventional security measures.

Legal and Security Implications

Shahid’s arrest and the revelations regarding her recruitment plans have significant implications for both law enforcement and counter-terrorism strategies in India. The NIA and police officials have emphasized the importance of campus vigilance and monitoring of potentially vulnerable institutions where radicalization efforts could take place. Authorities have also reiterated that white-collar professionals, who may appear detached from conventional terror networks, can still play a pivotal role in planning and executing attacks, necessitating heightened surveillance and intelligence-gathering efforts.

The NIA is expected to file detailed charges against Shahid and other accused under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), as well as relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code related to conspiracy, terrorism, and recruitment for unlawful activities. The case underscores the evolving nature of terrorist threats in India, particularly the shift towards leveraging professional and academic networks to recruit operatives and carry out sophisticated attacks.

Broader Investigation

Investigators are also exploring potential links between Shahid’s activities at Al-Falah University and other regions or individuals with connections to international terror networks. Her time in Saudi Arabia is under review to determine whether she maintained contacts or received training abroad that contributed to her operational capabilities. While no direct evidence of foreign funding or directives has been disclosed yet, the NIA is leaving no stone unturned in its effort to map the full extent of the terror module’s network.

The ongoing probe has revealed that Shahid was not acting in isolation. Her alleged collaboration with Dr Muzammil, Dr Adil Ahmad, and possibly other yet-to-be-identified individuals suggests a structured network with defined roles and responsibilities, including procurement, recruitment, and operational planning. The involvement of multiple suspects indicates that the November 10 Delhi blast was the product of coordinated efforts rather than a lone-wolf operation.

Next Steps

Authorities have indicated that further investigation will involve detailed questioning of Shahid and her associates, forensic analysis of recovered materials, and mapping of financial transactions. The NIA is also likely to examine communication channels, both digital and offline, to identify additional members of the network and prevent further terror activities.

Officials have underscored the importance of rapid intelligence sharing and inter-agency coordination, given the complexity of the case and the potential for cross-border elements. The Delhi blast has already raised alarm across security agencies, and the latest revelations about Shahid’s recruitment plans amplify concerns regarding the involvement of women and other unsuspecting individuals in future attacks.

Conclusion

The case of Dr Shaheen Shahid highlights the evolving tactics of terror modules operating in India. By targeting academic institutions and leveraging professional networks, the perpetrators have demonstrated a new level of sophistication and audacity. Shahid’s intention to recruit women for the November 10 Delhi blast, coupled with evidence of financial resources, international exposure, and network-building, underscores the challenges facing Indian security and investigative agencies in combating terrorism.

As the NIA continues to probe the “white-collar terror module,” authorities remain vigilant, seeking to dismantle the network and prevent any future attacks. The investigation serves as a critical reminder of the multifaceted nature of contemporary terrorism and the need for proactive measures to safeguard public security while ensuring timely prosecution of those involved.

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