One Year After Red Fort Blast: 300 Arrested, 73 Fugitives Brought Back in Year-Long Anti-Terror Drive

A year after the deadly Red Fort blast, India's security agencies have intensified nationwide counterterrorism operations, arresting more than 300 suspected operatives and securing the deportation of 73 high-value fugitives from abroad, officials said on Monday.

The November 10, 2025, attack exposed a terror network involving highly educated professionals, described by investigators as the 'Doctor Module'. Agencies cracked key parts of the conspiracy within 24 hours and subsequently filed a chargesheet against 13 accused, including paediatrician Dr Muzzafar Rather, who is believed to be hiding in Afghanistan.

The attack prompted the government to introduce 'PRAHAAR: National CT Policy and Strategy' on February 23, 2026, establishing a unified counterterrorism framework for central and state agencies with a zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism.

A major crackdown targeted the Pakistan-based, ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN). Agencies registered more than 100 FIRs and arrested over 300 operatives. Explosive devices, hand grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings and illegal firearms were recovered. The network was designated a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) on September 26.

Parallel operations targeted outfits such as Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), besides pro-Khalistan groups. Agencies also arrested 27 radical operatives allegedly inspired by the Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh ideology across five states.

International cooperation has also been strengthened, with a dedicated extradition portal launched in September to accelerate the return of fugitives.

Investigators traced the Red Fort conspiracy to Jaish-e-Mohammed posters that appeared in Srinagar in October last year. The investigation led to arrests across Kashmir and Faridabad, where authorities seized approximately 2,900 kg of explosive materials, including ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate and sulphur.

Officials identified Dr Umar-un Nabi, a 28-year-old doctor from Pulwama, as a key operative behind the attack.

Security agencies have maintained heightened vigilance ahead of the anniversary, focusing on early detection of radicalisation, disrupting terror networks and strengthening intelligence coordination.