A 30-year-old doctor from Jammu and Kashmir, identified as Dr. Adil Ahmad Rather, has been arrested by security agencies over suspected links with terrorist networks, officials said on Sunday.
The arrest comes after an intelligence-led operation that exposed possible communication between the doctor and Pakistan-based handlers involved in funding and coordinating sleeper cells in the region.
Who Is Adil Ahmad Rather?
Dr. Adil Ahmad Rather is reportedly a medical practitioner from Pulwama district, South Kashmir. According to local sources, he completed his medical education from a government medical college in Srinagar and was working as a junior resident doctor at a district hospital before his arrest.
Officials said Rather had no prior criminal record, but had been under surveillance after suspicious digital communication patterns and financial transactions linked him to a group operating under the guise of humanitarian aid.
The Arrest and Investigation
Security agencies arrested Rather following a joint intelligence operation by the Jammu and Kashmir Police and central investigative units. Authorities allege that the doctor had been in touch with known terror sympathizers through encrypted messaging platforms and was involved in facilitating logistics and communication channels for militants in the Valley.
A senior police officer told NDTV:
“We intercepted communications that revealed his links with foreign handlers. The investigation suggests he may have been providing assistance beyond medical support.”
Rather’s residence in Pulwama was searched, and officials reportedly recovered digital devices, SIM cards, and documents suspected to contain evidence of correspondence with individuals across the border.
Suspected Financial Trail
Preliminary investigation points to possible hawala-based fund transfers allegedly received by Rather to support local networks. While authorities have not disclosed exact figures, early reports suggest transactions routed through third-party accounts and non-profit fronts operating in the Valley.
Officials emphasized that the money trail and encrypted chats form the core of the ongoing probe. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is expected to take over the case for deeper examination.
A Growing Trend of Radicalization
Security experts have warned that recent arrests highlight an emerging trend — educated professionals being targeted for recruitment by terror networks seeking to expand influence through intellectual and social infiltration.
“Groups now prefer educated individuals who can blend into civilian life and act as covert facilitators,” said a senior intelligence analyst.
The arrest of Dr. Adil Ahmad Rather follows similar cases where teachers, students, and healthcare workers were found allegedly aiding militant operations in Jammu and Kashmir over the past few years.
Current Status
Authorities confirmed that Rather is being interrogated under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and has been remanded to police custody. His alleged links, financial records, and communications are being verified by forensic experts.
Police have not yet ruled out the possibility of further arrests, as they suspect a larger network of civilian collaborators assisting militant groups under the radar.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police reiterated their commitment to zero tolerance against terrorism and emphasized that no one is above scrutiny, regardless of social or professional status.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Who is Dr. Adil Ahmad Rather?
He is a medical doctor from Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, arrested for suspected links with terrorist groups.
Q2: Why was he arrested?
For allegedly communicating with Pakistan-based handlers and facilitating terror-related activities through funding and logistical support.
Q3: Which agencies are investigating the case?
The J&K Police, intelligence agencies, and possibly the NIA will handle different aspects of the probe.
Q4: Has he been proven guilty?
No. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are collecting evidence before filing formal charges.
Q5: What law applies here?
The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), used in terrorism and anti-national activity cases.
Published on : 10th November
Published by : SMITA
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Source Credit : Reported by Mukesh Singh Sengar, Edited by Manjiri Chitre — NDTV India News Desk