Dr. Adeel Ahmad Rather: A significant security alert has been issued in the Delhi-NCR region after agencies confiscated a large quantity of explosively detonable material within a coordinated operation. Agency officials stated that the recovery could be associated with a potential large-scale terror attack against the national capital region.
Dr Adeel Ahmad Rather, a research professional linked to a private laboratory, has also increased the complexities of the situation. Investigators are currently investigating Dr Rather’s previous associations and movement patterns throughout Delhi and neighbouring states.
Investigation and Initial Findings
According to sources, the explosives were recovered from a rented residential unit in Ghaziabad following intelligence inputs about suspicious behaviour. A joint raid was conducted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Delhi Police Special Cell late on Friday night.
Preliminary tests of the recovered materials indicate that it is ammonium nitrate-based compounds, which can also be utilised in creating improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The agencies are also evaluating additional electronic devices, paperwork and communications seized from the residential unit.
According to officials, Dr Rather was present at the time of the search and had provided conflicting accounts of the material stored in his unit. He was arrested and detained for more extensive questioning under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Links Under Investigation
Investigators are attempting to determine if the seized items have any international or cross-border links to jurisdictional issues of larger networks that are operating in northern India, which intelligence agencies suspect.
A senior officer from the NIA stated, “We do not rule out any possibility of sleeper cell linkages to this. We are also conducting forensic analysis and background assessments.”
Delhi-NCR Cautiously Prepared
Security across the entirety of Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram has been heightened, especially in public transport areas and crowded public markets and security zones. As for residents of the Delhi National Capital Region, the Delhi Police are requesting calm but vigilance in reporting any suspicious activities right away.
The seizure comes while law enforcement agencies are already on alert due to upcoming public events and festivals.
The Way Forward
Authorities have indicated that the explosive material has been safely defused and has been removed for forensic analysis. More updates are anticipated to follow once the questioning/interview and technical assessment of the materials are completed.
The 360 kg of explosives seized in central NCR serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security threats and expresses the need for continued caution in the country’s capital.
