Delhi Terror Plot Foiled: ‘Doctor of Doom’ Arrested, 360 kg Explosives Seized in Faridabad

In a major counterterrorism breakthrough, Indian security forces have foiled a large-scale terror plot targeting Delhi after the arrest of two highly educated suspects linked to an organised terror module. Acting on coordinated intelligence inputs, the Jammu and Kashmir Police, in collaboration with the Haryana Police, conducted multiple raids across Faridabad and Saharanpur, seizing 360 kilograms of explosive material and a cache of arms.

The operation marks one of the most significant terror interdictions in recent years, thwarting what officials described as a “potentially catastrophic attack” aimed at the national capital.

The Arrests: Two Men of Science Behind a Deadly Plot

The primary accused, Dr. Muzammil Shakeel, infamously dubbed the “Doctor of Doom,” was arrested from a rented accommodation in Faridabad, Haryana. A second suspect, Dr. Aadil Ahmed Rather, was detained in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Both individuals, according to officials, hold professional medical qualifications and are believed to have used their academic backgrounds to develop and conceal their explosive operations.

From Dr. Shakeel’s residence, authorities recovered approximately 360 kilograms of suspected ammonium nitrate, a Krinkov assault rifle, multiple timers, and remote-controlled detonators. Initially, reports suggested the explosive material could be RDX, but forensic analysis later confirmed it to be ammonium nitrate — a commonly used compound in improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

How the Plot Was Uncovered

The arrests followed months of surveillance and intelligence sharing between central and state agencies. According to sources, the Jammu and Kashmir Police first traced suspicious communications linked to radical networks operating in northern India. The leads pointed toward Faridabad, triggering a multi-agency raid last weekend.

During the searches, police discovered several incriminating digital devices, documents, and explosive components consistent with bomb-making materials. The evidence suggested the suspects were part of a larger operational cell with plans to target crowded areas in Delhi and nearby regions.

A senior police officer involved in the probe stated,

“From the point of view of national security, there are many operational details which I don’t want to tell you. But it is evident that this module had access to significant resources and technical expertise.”

Weapons, Explosives, and Remote-Control Systems

The seizure included a Krinkov rifle — a compact, high-velocity firearm favoured in urban attacks — alongside detonators, remote-control devices, and timers engineered for coordinated explosions. Investigators are now tracing the supply chain of these weapons and examining possible cross-border linkages.

Preliminary forensic tests revealed that the ammonium nitrate had been chemically treated to enhance its explosive capacity. The sheer quantity — 360 kilograms — indicates the suspects were preparing for multiple blasts or a high-intensity strike.

Expanding the Investigation

Authorities believe the arrests have exposed a broader terror network with cells operating across multiple Indian states. Teams from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Intelligence Bureau (IB) have joined the ongoing inquiry.

Investigators are analysing call records, financial transactions, and encrypted communications to identify handlers and funding routes. The recovery of high-end remote control mechanisms suggests the suspects had access to sophisticated logistical support, possibly from groups operating outside India.

Delhi on High Alert

Following the arrests, Delhi Police have stepped up security checks across the National Capital Region, including metro stations, bus terminals, and border entry points. Bomb detection squads and anti-terror units remain on standby as intelligence agencies assess the full scope of the planned attacks.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has also been briefed on the findings, with reports indicating that the case could soon be formally transferred to the NIA for national-level investigation.

The Bigger Picture

Experts say this case underscores how terror networks are increasingly recruiting educated individuals capable of blending into urban populations and leveraging professional skills for operational advantage. The use of chemical knowledge, advanced triggering systems, and modular planning reflects a shift towards technologically driven terror operations.

The arrests of Dr. Shakeel and Dr. Rather have effectively averted a potential disaster, but officials warn that the network remains active, with more suspects likely still at large.

A Message of Vigilance

The foiling of this plot comes as India heightens its domestic security posture amid global instability and rising cross-border infiltration attempts. The investigation now aims to trace ideological motivations, foreign connections, and digital footprints to dismantle the network entirely.

For now, the joint operation stands as a testament to inter-agency coordination and early intelligence action — ensuring that what could have been a devastating terror attack on Delhi was stopped before it began.