White-collar terror probe: 7 doctors under scrutiny over encrypted chats

New Delhi: In the latest update on the white-collar terror module case, Delhi Police suspect that a group of people, mostly doctors who shared views on encrypted messaging apps, may be linked to the deadly 10/11 car blast near the Red Fort. At least seven members of these groups, most of them doctors, are now under police scrutiny.

The Delhi Police Special Cell, which is assisting the NIA in the investigation, clarified that these seven doctors are not affiliated with Al-Falah University. However, the university remains a key focus of the probe as Room 13 in Building 17, occupied by three doctors, including the main accused assistant professor who turned into a suicide bomber, was allegedly used for planning and coordination by the terror group.

Also read- 5 more Kashmiri doctors detained over suspected white-collar terror links

According to an HT news report, the police stated that the encrypted messaging app groups were created in 2021 and involve two closed user groups. Although their direct link to the Red Fort blast is still unclear, investigators have spread out across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Uttarakhand to track down the members and check their possible role in the wider conspiracy.

The investigation is now focused on identifying and locating the doctors in these groups. Once found, they will be detained and questioned for their suspected connection with the accused suicide bomber.

A senior officer told HT, "We have found that the Telegram and Signal groups were tightly controlled spaces with restricted membership and guarded conversations. The Telegram group was created in 2021, a year after the northeast Delhi riots. Its timing has prompted investigators to examine whether the polarisation and tension following the riots played a role in drawing these individuals together."

Another officer said, "Investigators are still working to confirm the real identities of the members, many of whom used pseudonyms and code words. While some information from the Telegram has helped police narrow down the seven suspects, they have yet to receive data from the second platform. Retrieving older chats from 2021 and 2022 is almost impossible, but investigators are trying to piece together how the groups formed, how members found each other, who moderated discussions, and what was being exchanged."

Also read- Red Fort Blast: Room 13 at Al-Falah Medical College under investigation