Faridabad, November 12, 2025: Shaheen Shahid, a 43-year-old doctor formerly employed in Kanpur, has emerged as a key figure in a major inter-state terror module busted in Faridabad, which investigators suspect may have links to the Red Fort car blast that killed at least 10 people earlier this week. Once considered a diligent and committed professional, Shaheen is now under custody, facing allegations of involvement in a terror network linked to banned outfits Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind.

Early Life and Education

Shaheen Shahid was born and brought up in Hata Mustafa Khan, located in Lucknow’s Khandari Bazar area. She is the daughter of Shahid Ansari, a retired officer from the state health department. From a young age, Shaheen nurtured a dream of becoming a doctor, which she successfully realized by completing her MBBS in Prayagraj. Her academic achievements earned her a position as a lecturer at GSVM Medical College in Kanpur in 2006. Colleagues from her early career described her as hardworking and diligent, someone committed to her responsibilities and patient care.

Despite her initial professional promise, Shaheen’s career encountered turbulence over the years. After serving three years at Kanpur, she was transferred to Kannauj in 2009, reportedly due to differences with a senior officer. She returned to Kanpur within six months but gradually became irregular in attendance. By 2013, Shaheen had largely abandoned her duties, ultimately leading to her dismissal in 2021 following repeated failure to respond to official communications.

Personal Life and Divorce

Shaheen’s personal life also faced challenges. She married Dr. Zafar Hayat, a Maharashtra resident and fellow medical professional at GSVM Medical College, in 2003. The marriage, which produced two children, eventually ended in divorce in 2015. Following the separation, Shaheen reportedly cut off contact with her family and did not return to her Lucknow residence for six years. Sources indicate that she led a relatively reclusive life during this period, focusing on personal pursuits and living independently away from her family.

Connection to Faridabad Terror Module

Authorities allege that Shaheen Shahid became involved with a terror network operating across states, with Faridabad as one of its operational hubs. She is reported to have been living with Dr. Muzammil Ahmad Ganaia, a key accused in the same module and close associate of Umar un-Nabi, the driver of the Hyundai i20 that exploded near the Red Fort. According to the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Shaheen and Muzammil were in a personal relationship, and her younger brother, Dr. Parvez Ansari, was also arrested in connection with the module.

Investigators suggest that Shaheen played a crucial role in the network, particularly as part of Jaish-e-Mohammed’s women recruitment wing in India. According to preliminary findings, she was in communication with handlers in Pakistan and allegedly received instructions to recruit women for terror activities, facilitating the spread of the organization’s influence within India.

Alleged Links to Explosives and Arms

During the Faridabad raids, authorities reportedly discovered an AK Krinkov assault rifle with three magazines, a pistol with live rounds, and two empty cartridges registered in Shaheen Shahid’s name. While these findings are still under detailed investigation, they have intensified scrutiny over her role in the terror module, raising questions about the extent of her operational involvement and whether she contributed to logistical planning or coordination.

Connection with Al Falah University

Shaheen was previously associated with Al Falah University in Faridabad, which has now come under the lens due to the terror module’s activities. The university has officially distanced itself from the allegations, stating that the accused individuals were employed there in their official capacities and asserting that no illegal substances or materials were stored on campus. Investigators are, however, examining whether any resources or infrastructure of the institution were misused by the module for planning or transporting explosives.

Investigative Perspective

Law enforcement agencies are probing multiple angles in the case. While Umar un-Nabi remains the focal suspect for executing the Red Fort blast, Shaheen Shahid’s alleged role points to the presence of a broader, well-organized terror network. Authorities are examining phone records, financial transactions, encrypted communications, and her associations with other accused members to ascertain her precise involvement. Officials suspect that the module had a “white-collar” network structure, leveraging professionals like Shaheen to carry out recruitment, coordination, and logistical support.

Current Status and Implications

Shaheen Shahid is currently in police custody and is being interrogated alongside other key accused members. The investigation remains ongoing, with agencies working to unravel the full extent of the network’s operations, both within India and across borders. Authorities are also examining the potential threat posed by the module and whether there are any untraced accomplices still at large.

Conclusion

Shaheen Shahid’s arrest marks a stark departure from her earlier image as a diligent doctor and highlights how professional individuals can, in certain circumstances, become involved in criminal or terror-related activities. The case underscores the complexity of modern terror networks that recruit educated professionals for operational roles and the challenges faced by law enforcement in dismantling such cells. As investigations continue, more details regarding her role, the module’s operations, and links to incidents like the Red Fort blast are expected to emerge, providing a clearer understanding of one of the most significant terror busts in recent years.