Delhi Blast Case: Suspect Dr Shaheen Saeed Had Links with Pulwama Attack Mastermind's Wife

Red Fort Blast Probe Reveals a Suspect Was in Contact with Umar Farooq’s Widow

A key link has emerged in the investigation into the Red Fort car blast. A suspect in the case was reportedly in contact with the widow of Umar Farooq. The latter was Jaish-e-Mohammed’s commander who planned the Pulwama attack. The suspect has been identified as Dr Shaheen Saeed, a senior rank doctor who worked at the Al-Falah University, Faridabad. 

Faridabad Explosives Haul Uncovers JeM Connection

A joint operation by police forces uncovered large quantities of explosives in Faridabad. This bust revealed a "white-collar terror ecosystem" linked to Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The investigation began after JeM posters appeared in Srinagar on 19 October. Around 2,900 kg of IED-making material was seized from a rented room in Dhauj.

This material included suspected ammonium nitrate, a chemical used in making explosives. The seizure also comprised an assault rifle, a pistol, detonators, and timers. Police stated the sheer volume of this material pointed to plans for large-scale terrorist attacks. The material was allegedly amassed for almost two years for potential pan-India terror strikes. Sources indicate funds were raised through professional and academic networks under charitable pretenses.

Key Suspect Identified as Dr. Shaheen Saeed

Dr. Shaheen Saeed, a Lucknow-based doctor, was also arrested in connection with the Faridabad explosives case. She is a key suspect in the Delhi Red Fort blast. Police sources allege she was tasked with establishing JeM's women's wing in India called  Jamaat ul-Mominaat. This wing would be headed by JeM founder Masood Azhar's sister, Sadia Azhar, in Pakistan.

Shaheen Saeed was married to Dr. Hayat Zafar; however, they got divorced in 2012. Reportedly, they have two children, who are currently staying with Zafar. When officials inquired about Shaheen, the former husband said they had not communicated since they got separated. 

He also said, “She was never particularly religious, and she was a liberal. She wanted to settle in Australia or Europe. After that, we separated; we had differences over going to Australia. My children do not talk to her. She was a professor of pulmonology. She completed her degree in 2006.”

Investigators found that Dr. Shaheen Saeed was in touch with Afirah Bibi, the wife of Jaish commander Umar Farooq. A search of Dr. Saeed's Maruti Suzuki Swift car allegedly yielded an assault rifle, a pistol, and ammunition. The revelation has raised major concerns over the establishment of terror groups in India.