Police uncover 360 kg ammonium nitrate and weapons in Faridabad, arresting two doctors linked to a JeM module near Delhi. Investigation expands nationwide.
Brajesh Mishra
Jammu & Kashmir Police, working with Haryana Police and the Intelligence Bureau, say they uncovered a large cache of explosives and weapons in Dhauj village, Faridabad—about 45 km from Delhi—on November 9–10, 2025. Authorities recovered roughly 360 kg of ammonium nitrate, multiple firearms, about 20 timers and batteries, walkie-talkies and broad IED-making paraphernalia from a rented house linked to an assistant professor at Al-Falah Medical College, officials said. Seven people have been arrested so far, including two medical professionals.
Police say the operation began after pro-Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) posters were found in Srinagar on October 27, leading investigators to Dr. Adil Ahmad Rather, who was arrested in Saharanpur on November 6. Interrogation of Rather, authorities say, pointed to Dr. Muzammil Shakeel (also reported as Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie)—an assistant professor who had been working in Faridabad and renting accommodation in Dhauj for several months. Subsequent coordinated raids produced the large explosives haul and several weapons. Officials insist the substance seized is ammonium nitrate, not RDX, as some early coverage misstated.
According to police briefings, CCTV footage and local inquiries linked Rather to the Srinagar posters. His arrest and statements led teams to the Faridabad address where Dr. Shakeel had been staying. Searches across multiple sites reportedly recovered a wider quantity of IED components—pushing total recovered material figures into the multiple-hundreds of kilograms across the operation—and prompted further arrests, including a mosque imam and local residents. Faridabad Police Commissioner Satender Kumar Gupta described the raids as an ongoing inter-state operation.
The quantity of ammonium nitrate found—360 kg—would be sufficient, if weaponized, to assemble multiple large IEDs, analysts say. The involvement of licensed professionals working in medical colleges has revived concerns about “sleeper cells with professional cover,” a risk that complicates simple demographic assumptions about recruitment and concealment. The discovery of a firearm reportedly found in a woman doctor’s car has also prompted focused investigation into possible logistical links and institutional vetting gaps. (See Times of India coverage on the woman doctor’s vehicle: link.)
Geographically, the semi-rural location of Dhauj provides quick access to Delhi-NCR while remaining sufficiently removed for clandestine activity—highlighting vulnerabilities in peri-urban areas near major population centers. Security officials are probing whether the network had further cells or supply chains that facilitated procurement and transport of such large quantities of explosive precursors.
Police sources point to potential links with JeM and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, and media reports suggest cross-border coordination cannot be ruled out. Given the multi-state and transnational indicators, investigators say the National Investigation Agency (NIA) may assume lead responsibility as the probe expands into digital forensics, financial trails and international linkages.
The seizure follows heightened post-Pahalgam security alerts and a string of other complex modules exposed in 2025—reinforcing concerns that militant groups may be diversifying tactics and exploiting professional covers to operate in urban and peri-urban environments.
Officials stress the investigation is ongoing; several suspects remain under question and at least one accused is reported absconding. Coverage should avoid presuming guilt before charges are formally framed. At the same time, authorities are balancing transparency and operational security as they trace supply chains, payment routes, and possible accomplices. Local communities and institutions named in reporting must not be stigmatized; law enforcement sources emphasize that routine professional roles alone are not evidence of complicity.
The Faridabad seizure averted an immediate threat near India’s capital, but it prompts a broader reckoning: if organised groups can amass industrial-scale explosive precursors within easy distance of major metros, are current vetting, surveillance and inter-agency intelligence mechanisms sufficient to detect and disrupt the next module before it moves to execution?
1. What was found in the Faridabad terror case?
Authorities recovered around 360 kg of ammonium nitrate, timers, batteries, communication devices, and firearms from a house rented by a medical professor in Dhauj, Faridabad.
2. Who has been arrested in connection with the Faridabad arms haul?
Two doctors — Dr. Adil Ahmad Rather from Jammu and Dr. Muzammil Shakeel from Al-Falah Medical College — along with several others, have been arrested for their alleged involvement.
3. Is the seized material RDX?
Police have clarified that the substance is ammonium nitrate, not RDX, countering initial reports in some media outlets.
4. What groups are suspected to be behind this plot?
Investigators believe the suspects may have links to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGuH), both active in Jammu and Kashmir.
5. Why is this case significant?
The involvement of educated professionals and the proximity to Delhi mark a worrying escalation in tactics—blurring the lines between civilian expertise and militant networks.
6. What agency is likely to take over the probe?
Given the scale and interstate nature, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is expected to assume charge to explore cross-border and digital links.
Times of India (Gurgaon) – https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/12-suitcases-20-timers-and-a-rifle-new-twist-in-faridabad-arms-haul-weapon-found-in-woman-doctors-car/articleshow/125217283.cms
Mathrubhumi (English) – https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/india/faridabad-terror-bust-explosives-weapons-seized-wjgy9ya8
Indian Express – https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/350-kg-explosives-ak-47-jk-cops-recover-arms-cache-from-doctors-home-in-faridabad-10356500/
The Tribune (India) – https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/massive-arms-haul-in-faridabad-jk-police-recover-350-kg-explosives-ak-47-and-ammunition/
KNS Kashmir – https://www.knskashmir.com/jandk-police-busts-major-transnational-terror-module-linked-to-jem--aguh-199486
Firstpost explainer – https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/350-kg-explosives-terror-plot-faridabad-foiled-police-13949330.html
Hindustan Times – https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/not-rdx-but-faridabad-police-issue-statement-after-terror-plot-busted-near-delhi-101762754872998.html
Telangana Today – https://telanganatoday.com/faridabad-350-kg-explosives-krinkov-rifle-seized-two-kashmiri-doctors-held
NDTV (what cops found) – https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ammonium-nitrate-20-timers-rifle-pistol-what-cops-found-in-faridabad-after-jammu-and-kashmir-doctors-arrest-9606698
News18 (Faridabad operation) – https://www.news18.com/india/faridabad-explosive-haul-how-a-poster-in-srinagar-led-police-to-sleeper-cell-planning-attack-on-ncr-ws-l-9695672.html
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