How Two Lucknow Doctors Became Key Suspects in Red Fort Blast Investigation
Lucknow, November 16, 2025 — A narrow yellow building stands silent in Lucknow’s bustling Khandari Bazaar. Police guard its iron-grilled door. Inside lived two siblings whose lives took a dramatic turn. Dr. Shaheen Shahid Ansari and Dr. Parvez Ansari now face terror probe accusations that have shocked their family and community.
The doctor siblings now at centre of terror module probe represent an unsettling reality. Educated professionals have allegedly joined extremist networks. Their father never imagined his children would face such allegations.
“I cannot believe my daughter was involved in such activities. She studied medicine and focused on her work and children.” — Syed Ahmed Ansari, father
Early Dreams and Medical Ambitions
Syed Ahmed Ansari spent his entire career as a government health department employee. He retired at 80 with one cherished dream for his children. His eldest son Mohammad Shoaib showed no interest in medicine. Therefore, Ahmed focused all his hopes on Shaheen and Parvez.
Both siblings enrolled in coaching institutes to prepare for medical entrance exams. Their dedication paid off when they cleared the competitive tests. Shaheen completed her MBBS from a government college in Prayagraj between 1996 and 2005. Subsequently, she earned her MD degree and became a medical lecturer.
Parvez followed his sister’s path into the medical profession. He completed his MBBS from Era Medical College in Lucknow. Later, he pursued his MD from Agra Medical College. The family celebrated their achievements with pride.
Shaheen’s Promising Career Takes Dark Turn
Born and raised in Hata Mustafa Khan locality, Shaheen always dreamed of becoming a doctor. Her academic excellence led her to clear the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission examination. Consequently, she joined GSVM Medical College in Kanpur as a lecturer in 2006.
Colleagues remember her as a diligent worker during her initial years. However, professional differences with a senior officer emerged around 2009. Authorities transferred her to Kannauj Medical College that same year. She returned to Kanpur within six months.
Furthermore, Shaheen served as Head of the Pharmacology Department from September 2012 to December 2013. Her career trajectory changed dramatically in 2013 when she stopped reporting for duty. College authorities sent repeated letters to her Lucknow address. Nevertheless, she never responded to any official communication.
Her personal life also experienced upheaval during this period. Shaheen married Dr. Zafar Hayat, an ophthalmologist from Maharashtra, in 2003. They had two children together. The marriage lasted twelve years before ending in divorce in 2015.
Dr. Hayat later recalled their relationship to investigators. He mentioned that Shaheen wanted to move abroad. Meanwhile, he preferred staying in India near family. Their children were very young when she left.
“She was always a topper, always dedicated to her patients. Even during our marriage, I never felt she could be involved in anything wrong.” — Dr. Zafar Hayat, ex-husband
After her divorce, Shaheen lived a reclusive life for six years. She did not return to her ancestral home in Lucknow. Officials eventually dismissed her from government service in 2021 for prolonged absence.
Parvez’s Quiet Life Raises Suspicion
Dr. Parvez Ansari joined Integral University in Lucknow as a senior resident in July 2021. Neighbours described him as an introverted person who rarely interacted with others. He married and moved to a separate house in Madiaon locality.
However, his behavior became suspicious in early November 2025. On November 7, Parvez sent a resignation email to Integral University. He claimed he had received an associate professor position at another medical college. Afterward, he did not return to collect his belongings.
Investigators believe Parvez fled after learning about Dr. Adil Ahmad Rather’s arrest. Rather was a key figure in the Faridabad terror module. Police suspect Parvez had connections with the arrested doctor.
The Terror Module Unravels
The investigation began when Jaish-e-Mohammed posters appeared in Srinagar on October 27, 2025. CCTV footage captured Dr. Adil Ahmad Rather pasting these posters. Authorities arrested him on November 6 from Saharanpur.
During questioning, Rather revealed information about a larger network. This led police to Dr. Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie, another doctor working at Al-Falah University in Faridabad. Raids at his rented premises uncovered shocking evidence.
Security forces recovered approximately 2,900 kilograms of explosives, including ammonium nitrate. Additionally, they found AK-47 rifles, pistols, ammunition, electronic timers, and detonators. The scale of the stockpile alarmed investigators.
Meanwhile, authorities arrested Shaheen after discovering weapons in her car. An AK-47 rifle, pistol, and cartridges were recovered from the vehicle. During interrogation, she revealed her brother Parvez’s involvement.
The Red Fort Blast Connection
On November 10, 2025, a devastating explosion occurred near Delhi’s Red Fort. A Hyundai i20 car exploded at 6:52 PM near the metro station. The blast killed 13 people and injured over 20 others.
Dr. Umar Un Nabi, another Al-Falah University faculty member, was driving the car. Investigators believe he triggered the explosion accidentally while transporting explosives. The blast caused extensive damage and triggered fires in multiple vehicles.
Agencies discovered that Umar had set up a home laboratory for testing explosives. He received bomb-making instructions through encrypted Telegram channels from Pakistani handlers. The handlers sent videos showing assembly techniques.
Shaheen’s Alleged Role in Women’s Wing
Intelligence sources revealed disturbing details about Shaheen’s activities. She allegedly maintained direct contact with Sadia Azhar, sister of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar. Sadia heads the terror outfit’s women’s wing, Jamaat-ul-Mominaat.
Operatives codenamed Shaheen as “Madam Surgeon” within the organization. Authorities believe she received instructions to establish the women’s wing in India. Her mission involved recruiting female doctors and medical students.
Moreover, Shaheen allegedly tried to rope in over two dozen doctors and medical students. She particularly targeted individuals from Jammu and Kashmir. Investigators found that she used a SIM card registered with a fake mosque address.
Probe agencies discovered that Shaheen joined Jaish-e-Mohammed around 2015. She supplied intelligence information initially. Later, the organization made her an active member in 2016. Since then, she allegedly plotted attacks on Jaish’s orders.
Family’s Shock and Disbelief
Mohammad Shoaib, the eldest brother, spoke cautiously from behind the grilled door. He mentioned that personal differences led to no contact with his siblings since 2021. They stopped visiting the family home after that year.
Their elderly father expressed complete shock at the allegations. He last spoke to Shaheen about a month before her arrest. She mentioned facing some domestic issues. However, she never discussed anything related to extremist activities.
Neighbours in the quiet Khandari Bazaar locality expressed similar disbelief. The family maintained a low profile and never engaged in political discussions. Their educational achievements were a source of community pride.
Investigation Expands Nationwide
The probe revealed a sophisticated white-collar terror module spanning multiple states. Besides the doctor siblings at centre of terror module probe, several other medical professionals faced arrest. The National Investigation Agency now leads the investigation.
Authorities also arrested Maulvi Irfan, a cleric employed as a paramedic at Government Medical College Srinagar. His mobile phone contained contacts of several doctors. During interrogation, he emerged as a highly radicalized operative.
Furthermore, investigators discovered that the module planned attacks in six cities. They targeted the December 6 anniversary of Babri Masjid demolition. Financial networks through hawala operators supported their operations.
Conclusion
The case of the doctor siblings at centre of terror module probe represents a troubling trend. Educated professionals with promising careers allegedly turned toward extremism. Digital radicalization through encrypted platforms enabled their transformation.
Investigators continue piecing together the network’s full extent. Multiple agencies coordinate to trace all operatives involved. The tragic Red Fort blast claimed innocent lives and exposed this dangerous module.
Meanwhile, a family in Lucknow struggles to comprehend their children’s alleged involvement. Their dreams of medical success turned into a nightmare. The investigation continues to unfold shocking details daily.
Security experts warn about the challenge of detecting such white-collar terror networks. Professionals use their respectable positions as cover for extremist activities. This case highlights the need for enhanced vigilance and counter-radicalization measures.
