Medical Lecturer to Terror Accused: How the Probe Unfolded
Investigators probing the November 10 Delhi car blast have uncovered how Dr Shaheen Saeed, a former medical lecturer from Lucknow, allegedly entered an inter-state terror network. Moreover, the probe suggests that her marriage to fellow doctor Muzammil Shakeel in September 2023 was a turning point that introduced her to extremist circles linked to the banned Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
Dr Saeed, 46, was among eight people arrested during a nationwide crackdown on a network accused of supporting the suicide bombing near the Red Fort. At least 15 people died, and several others were injured when a slow-moving Hyundai i20 car exploded. The suicide bomber, Umar Mohammad alias Umar un Nabi, was also a doctor and a former student of Al-Falah University.
Authorities said both Saeed and Shakeel have now lost their medical licenses. Moreover, the investigation has revealed that Saeed allegedly used her professional background to move funds and recruit operatives.
A Promising Medical Career Before a Sudden Shift
Saeed grew up in Kandhari Bazar in Lucknow’s Kaiserbagh area. She completed her MBBS and MD in Allahabad between 1996 and 2005. She was known as a bright, disciplined student. Moreover, her father, Syed Ahmad Ansari, worked as a government employee.
She later cleared the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission examination and joined GSVM Medical College in Kanpur as an assistant professor. Her career progressed quickly. Additionally, she became the Head of the Pharmacology Department from September 2012 to December 2013. She was later transferred to Kannauj Medical College.
Investigators now believe that her transformation began years later when she met Dr Muzammil Shakeel, a Kashmiri doctor and her junior at Al-Falah University in Faridabad. Their relationship developed over shared academic and professional interests.
Shakeel later revealed during interrogation that they married in September 2023, in a mosque near the university. Moreover, they began living together soon after.
Entry into Radical Circles Through Religious Groups
According to sources, Saeed began attending religious study groups soon after her marriage. Moreover, she was gradually drawn into discussions involving Kashmiri student circles. During this period, she came in contact with members of Jamaat ul-Mominaat, the women’s wing of the JeM.
The group is believed to be led by Sadia Azhar, sister of JeM founder Masood Azhar, from Pakistan. Investigators said that Jamaat ul-Mominaat focuses on ideological indoctrination and female recruitment. Additionally, Saeed was allegedly trained in radical narratives and operational methods.
Officials said that Saeed began travelling frequently between Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi-NCR and Haryana. She allegedly used her medical identity to avoid suspicion. Moreover, she is accused of facilitating fund transfers for the group.
Sources told that Saeed was eventually handed charge of the India branch of Jamaat ul-Mominaat. Her responsibilities allegedly included forming a team of five “terror doctors” who could support JeM’s operations.
Link to the November 10 Delhi Car Blast
The Delhi blast investigation linked several accused to Al-Falah University, which has recently been under scrutiny for extremist infiltration. Both the suicide bomber and key conspirators had academic or professional ties to the institution.
Investigators believe that Saeed played a key role in building networks between radicalised medical professionals. Moreover, her alleged involvement included logistical support for operatives moving across state lines.
The Hyundai i20 used in the attack exploded near the Red Fort, killing 15 people and injuring many others. Authorities have said that Umar un Nabi had been active in extremist circles for months. Additionally, he was connected to the same groups that allegedly recruited Saeed.
The arrests of Saeed, Shakeel and six others marked a breakthrough in the case. Officials said the crackdown targeted a network operating across multiple states, with suspected links to Pakistan-based handlers.
Investigators Continue Mapping the Network
Agencies are now analysing communication data and financial trails linked to Saeed and Shakeel. Moreover, they are tracking how the couple allegedly facilitated safe houses, fund channels and meetings.
The probe also aims to uncover how deeper recruitment networks penetrated academic spaces. Investigators said the case highlights the growing challenge of radicalisation in professional institutions. Additionally, they said the arrests will help dismantle similar modules in the future.
Authorities are expected to file further charges as the investigation progresses. Moreover, they believe that Saeed’s role may reveal more about JeM’s attempts to revive its presence in India.