Kashmiri doctor arrested in UP for alleged links to Jaish-e-Muhammed

Weapons recovered from hospital locker

Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir) – Jammu & Kashmir Police have arrested Dr Adil Ahmad Rather, a medical practitioner from Qazigund, on charges of aiding the revival of the banned terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM). He was detained in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, where he had been working at a private hospital on Ambala Road for several months. The accused had recently married a fellow doctor employed at the same hospital. Dr Rather had earlier served as a Senior Resident at the Government Medical College, Anantnag, before moving to Saharanpur.

Hospital allegedly used as a ‘safe house’

Preliminary investigations suggest that the accused may have provided shelter to individuals linked with terrorist activities and concealed weapons within the hospital premises. During a search operation, the police recovered an assault rifle and other incriminating material from a locker inside the hospital.

Attempt to rebuild JeM network

Authorities allege that Dr Rather was involved in efforts to re-establish the JeM network in the Kashmir Valley. He is suspected of collaborating with associates to circulate Jaish-related posters in the Nowgam area of Srinagar.

Following the distribution of these posters, CCTV footage and investigative leads led to the detention of six individuals. Interrogation of the suspects reportedly uncovered coded communication linked to the accused doctor, prompting security agencies to raid the Saharanpur hospital and arrest him.

So far, eight people have been arrested in connection with the case. Investigations continue to trace additional associates and uncover the full extent of the network’s activities.

Editorial Perspective

Those who claim that only illiterate Muslims turn to terrorism — what will they say now, when a doctor himself stands accused of terrorist involvement ?