Paramedic-Turned-Cleric Among Key Suspects as Police Bust Faridabad Terror Module Linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed

Srinagar, Nov 2025 : In a major breakthrough against terror networks operating through professional circles, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have dismantled a white-collar terror module after the recovery of posters bearing Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) insignia in Srinagar on October 19. The investigation led to the arrest of a paramedic-turned-cleric, Irfan Ahmad Wagay of Shopian, and two doctors — Dr. Muzammil Ahmad Ganai and Dr. Adil Rather — from Faridabad and other parts of northern India.

Wagay, formerly employed at the Government Medical College and Hospital in Srinagar, used his background in the medical field to approach and recruit professionals into extremist networks. Acting on intelligence after the posters appeared in Srinagar’s Nowgam area, police detained Wagay, who during interrogation disclosed critical details that exposed a sophisticated terror recruitment network stretching from Kashmir to Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

According to a senior police officer, Wagay’s confession led to raids across Faridabad, Saharanpur, and Lucknow, resulting in the seizure of 2,900 kilograms of ammonium nitrate, chemicals, and weapons. “Wagay spoke candidly about the functioning of the network and revealed how educated individuals, especially medical professionals, were being radicalized under the guise of social and humanitarian activities,” the officer said.

A Radical Turn

Police sources revealed that before 2019, Wagay was known for inciting youth to engage in stone-pelting and violent protests across the Kashmir Valley. He allegedly used religious platforms and social gatherings to spread extremist propaganda. “He was a highly radicalized overground worker of JeM and had close links with Ansar Ghazwat ul Hind (AGuH). His influence extended to professionals who were sympathetic to separatist causes,” a senior officer noted.

Documents accessed by investigators suggest that Wagay’s efforts were not limited to recruitment but also included fundraising under professional fronts, helping to channel resources for terror operations. Police believe he played a central role in connecting urban professionals with operational cells of Jaish and AGuH in Kashmir.

Trigger for Investigation

The case began on October 18, when residents in Nowgam noticed posters written in Urdu pasted on house walls, warning of “terrible attacks” on security forces and non-locals. The following day, police registered an FIR under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). CCTV footage identified three men pasting the posters—former stone-pelters who later confessed that Wagay had provided them with the material.

Following Wagay’s interrogation, police arrested Arif Nisar Dar alias Sahil, Yasir-ul-Ashraf, Maqsood Ahmad Dar alias Shahid, all residents of Nowgam; Zameer Ahmad Ahangar alias Mutlasha of Ganderbal; Dr. Muzammil Ahmad Ganai alias Musaib of Pulwama; and Dr. Adil Rather of Kulgam. All are believed to be part of an ideological and logistical network aiding terrorist activities.

Professional Front for Terror

A Jammu and Kashmir Police spokesperson described the module as “a radicalization and logistics network” operating under the pretense of professional collaboration. “They identified educated recruits, collected funds through NGOs or academic institutions, and managed the transport and storage of materials used in attacks,” the spokesperson said.

Sources added that Wagay maintained regular contact with Dr. Umar Un-Nabi, a former academic at Al Falah University in Dhauj, Faridabad, who is suspected to have been involved in the Red Fort blast case and was later killed.

Family Denies Allegations

Wagay’s family, however, has denied all charges. A female relative said on condition of anonymity, “We do not accept these allegations. He is a teacher and a family man.” She said Wagay would commute between Srinagar and Shopian every weekend and was home on the day of his arrest, taking his pregnant wife to a doctor’s appointment.

Meanwhile, Wagay’s wife, who is expecting their second child, is also reportedly under police custody for questioning. Police sources said she maintained communication with Dr. Shaheen Shahid, another medical professional under investigation.

The investigation, now under a state-level probe, underscores how militant groups are attempting to infiltrate urban and professional ecosystems to strengthen their networks under the radar of law enforcement.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)