Srinagar Court Issues Proclamation Against Key Suspect in Delhi Red Fort Blast Case

 Srinagar: A Srinagar court has issued a proclamation notice against Dr. Muzaffar Ahmad Rather, a doctor from Qazigund in south Kashmir, declaring him a proclaimed offender in connection with the November 10 deadly car explosion near Delhi's iconic Red Fort.

The blast, widely regarded as a terrorist attack linked to a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) module, killed at least 15 people and injured over 20 others when an explosives-laden vehicle detonated during peak evening traffic near the Lal Quila Metro Station.

According to the court order, Dr. Rather has been directed to appear in person on January 28, 2026, at 10. am to respond to charges. Despite repeated warrants, authorities have been unable to locate him, prompting the court to invoke relevant provisions under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The proclamation notice has been publicly affixed at his residence in Wanpora village of Qazigund.

Investigating agencies describe Dr. Rather as a central figure in the conspiracy, alleging he was a close associate of the alleged suicide bomber, Dr. Umar Nabi, a Pulwama resident who reportedly drove the vehicle. Dr. Rather, believed to have fled abroad possibly to Afghanistan via Dubai, is accused of radicalising others and coordinating with overseas handlers in a "white-collar" terror network involving educated professionals.

In a related development, Jammu and Kashmir Police, in coordination with other security agencies, have intensified operations against overground workers (OGWs) supporting banned outfits like JeM.

Sources indicate that over 150 suspected individuals have been detained across the Valley, with raids ongoing in multiple districts, including Srinagar. The crackdown aims to dismantle logistical and support networks fueling terrorism, the official sources said.

This action follows Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha's strong reaffirmation of the administration's zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism and its ecosystem, the sources added.

Meanwhile, Sinha on Saturday distributed government appointment letters to 39 next-of-kin of terrorism victims from the Kashmir Division at a ceremony in Lok Bhavan's auditorium here.

Officials said that the event underscored the administration's commitment to delivering justice, employment, and dignity to families long affected by violence. Earlier this week, similar letters were handed to families in the Jammu Division and victims of a recent accidetal blast at Srinagar 's Nowgam Police Station.

Addressing the gathering, Lt. Governor expressed deep empathy for the victims' families, many of whom shared harrowing stories of loss and hardship spanning decades. "Their stories moved me deeply," he said, noting the initiative began about 13 months ago after meetings with affected families.

He highlighted that over 200 family members have received government jobs this year alone, with plans to restore seized properties and examine unresolved cases, even those without formal FIRs.

Sinha sharply criticised past injustices, where "real victims suffered in silence while sympathisers of terrorism enjoyed privileges." He described it as a "painful paradox" that terrorists were once glorified while innocent families were forgotten.

The Lt. Governor vowed stringent action against those glorifying terrorism or spreading false narratives, including the termination of government employees linked to terror networks over the past five years. "We are determined to make Jammu and Kashmir completely free from terrorism. Anyone supporting it in any form will face the harshest punishment," he declared.

The programme, attended by senior officials including Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, concluded with Sinha calling the appointments "not just assistance, but a tribute to their sacrifice." He emphasised accelerated rehabilitation efforts, ensuring no deserving family is left behind.