The family of Dr Muzammil Shakil, a Kashmiri doctor arrested in connection with a terror module in Faridabad, has strongly denied the allegations against him and appealed for his immediate release. The Faridabad module, which came under police scrutiny following the recovery of explosives from multiple locations, has been linked to the deadly car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort on November 10, raising further concerns about terror networks operating across northern India.

Family Speaks Out

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Dr Shakil’s mother, Naseema, claimed that she had no knowledge of any illicit activities involving her son. She said that Shakil had left home approximately four years ago and had been working as a doctor in Delhi since then. She added that the family only learned of his arrest through third-party sources and that police had not allowed them to meet him.

“When he was arrested, we learned about it from others. We tried to meet him, but the police did not allow us. Even my other son has been arrested. They are saying my son is a suspect in the Delhi blast. I do not know anything about this. I just want both of my sons to be released,” she said, urging authorities to consider the family’s position.

Dr Shakil’s brother echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that their family has no involvement in any illegal or terror-related activities. “He last visited us in June during our father’s surgery. Everyone is alleging that he is a terrorist, but we have nothing to do with it. There hasn’t been a single case against our family in 50 years,” he said. He further added, “We are Indians by heart — we’ve even faced stone-pelting for India. He was a good person. They are not allowing us to meet him. My sister’s marriage, which he was to attend, has now been cancelled.”

The Faridabad Terror Module

Dr Muzammil Shakil, an MBBS degree holder, was identified and arrested by the Faridabad Police in Haryana following the recovery of a significant quantity of explosives from his rented accommodations. Initially, 360 kilograms of explosive material and ammunition were recovered from his residence in Dhauj village. Subsequent raids in the neighboring Fatehpur Taga village led to the seizure of an additional 2,563 kilograms of ammonium nitrate, raising alarms about the scale of the operation.

Police initially reported that the recovered material included RDX, but later clarified that it was ammonium nitrate, a high-intensity industrial explosive often used in large-scale blast operations. Authorities said the material was stockpiled for potential use in terrorist attacks and noted the sophisticated nature of the network.

According to Faridabad Police Commissioner Satender Kumar Gupta, Shakil had rented the Dhauj residence for the past three months and was also involved in teaching at Al Falah University in the region. Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime) Varun Dahiya stated that Shakil had also rented another house in Fatehpur Taga village about eight months ago. These accommodations were allegedly used to store explosives and coordinate with other members of the terror module.

Links to Delhi Red Fort Blast

Hours after the recovery of explosives in Faridabad, a deadly car explosion occurred near Delhi’s Red Fort, killing at least eight people and injuring more than 20 others. Preliminary investigations have revealed that the Hyundai i20 involved in the explosion was linked to a Kashmir-based doctor, Dr Umar Un Nabi, who is suspected to have connections with Shakil and other members of the Faridabad module.

According to Delhi Police Special Cell officials, Umar Un Nabi is believed to have been driving the car at the time of the blast. Umar, like Shakil, hails from Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir and is suspected to have worked closely with Shakil and another doctor, Adil Ahmad Rather, in planning operations related to explosives recovered in Faridabad. Investigators are exploring whether the Red Fort blast was deliberate and if it was coordinated as part of the broader module’s activities.

Family Perspective and Public Sentiment

The arrest and allegations have had a profound impact on Shakil’s family. They have stressed their innocence, highlighting their contributions and loyalty to the nation over decades. The family’s insistence on Shakil’s good character and their pleas for a fair investigation reflect the human dimension often overshadowed in high-profile terror cases. Social and emotional repercussions, such as the cancellation of family events and ongoing harassment, further complicate the situation for relatives caught in the crossfire of national security operations.

Police Statements and Investigative Actions

Police continue to treat the case with high priority, citing the potential links between the Faridabad module and the Red Fort explosion as indicative of a larger terror network operating across multiple states. Investigators have emphasized the importance of DNA tests, forensic examinations, and tracing financial and communication networks to piece together the activities of Shakil, Umar, and their associates.

Authorities have also assured that all procedures are being conducted under legal supervision, and that the rights of the accused will be protected while evidence is gathered to ascertain their involvement. The focus remains on preventing further incidents and neutralizing potential threats to public safety.

Conclusion

While Dr Muzammil Shakil and his family maintain his innocence, law enforcement agencies are continuing to pursue a meticulous investigation into the Faridabad terror module and its potential connections to high-profile attacks like the Red Fort car blast. The unfolding case underscores the delicate balance between national security imperatives and protecting the rights of individuals and families who may be impacted by allegations of terrorism.

As the investigation progresses, the authorities are expected to release further details about Shakil’s role, if any, in the Red Fort blast and the operational scope of the Faridabad terror network. Meanwhile, Shakil’s family continues to appeal for justice and transparency, emphasizing that their lives have been deeply affected by the ongoing legal and security processes.

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