An eerie silence shroudedAl-Falah University on Wednesday (November 12), as police conducted raids across the campus and nearby villages Dhouj and Fatehpur Taga, searching for explosives and suspects linked to the Delhi car blast that killed at least 12 people near Red Fort on Monday (November 10).
Investigators revealed that Umar Nabi, allegedly killed in the explosion, was a junior doctor at Al-Falah University, while two other detained doctors were also employed there. The university, however, has denied any institutional involvement in what authorities are calling the ‘Faridabad terror module.’
“We wish to make it clear that the university has no connection with the said persons apart from them being employees in their official capacities,”
said Vice-Chancellor Bhupinder Kaur Anand in an official statement.
She also dismissed claims circulating online that university laboratories were being used to store chemicals or explosive materials.
“The laboratories are used solely for academic and training purposes,” she clarified.
Campus in Fear
The usually bustling campus resembled a ghost town two days after the blast. Food stalls and common areas were deserted, with heavy police presence guarding the university gates.
“People have started associating all students and staff with the conspiracy… we’re scared to even say where we study,”
said a second-year Pharmaceutical student, requesting anonymity.
Imam’s Detention Deepens Unease
Nearby, at the Al-Falah mosque, tension was palpable after Imam Md. Ishtiyaq was detained on Tuesday. His family, including four young children and his ailing wife, now await news of his whereabouts.
“He had just started lunch when the police came,” said his 16-year-old daughter tearfully.
“They took him away… and now, every car that stops near our house frightens us.”
Authorities confirmed that the Imam was taken to Jammu and Kashmir for interrogation.
Searches in Fatehpur Taga
In Fatehpur Taga village, where Dr. Muzamil Ganaie allegedly stored explosives in a rented house owned by the Imam, police teams carried out door-to-door searches on Tuesday night.
“Police searched every house, but they didn’t find anything,”
said Salim, a 67-year-old villager.
“We only knew a man with limited mobility lived there with his wife.”
Official Response
The Centre has classified the Red Fort explosion as a terrorist incident, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi assuring victims’ families that the “perpetrators will be brought to justice.”
Investigations continue as the Faridabad police coordinate with central agencies to track possible local links to the terror network.