NIA raids GMC Anantnag over doctor’s alleged link to ‘white-collar’ terror module

Srinagar: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday carried out searches at the Government Medical College (GMC) in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir in connection with the “white-collar” terror module that was busted last November, officials said.

A team of NIA sleuths arrived at the GMC Anantnag campus and conducted searches at locations linked to the ongoing probe, they said. The searches were connected to earlier recoveries in the case, including a rifle that was allegedly found in the locker of a doctor during investigations carried out last year.

One of the key accused in the case is Dr Adeel Ahmad Rather, a former senior resident doctor at GMC Anantnag. Rather was among nine persons arrested by the NIA in the terror module investigation, which later led to the recovery of large quantities of explosives and bomb-making material from Faridabad in Haryana’s National Capital Region (NCR).

Investigators have described the network as a “white-collar” terror module, alleging that educated professionals were involved in terror-linked activities, including logistical support, procurement of weapons and explosives, and coordination through encrypted communication channels.

The Faridabad recoveries are believed to have provided crucial leads about the scale and intent of the module, prompting further investigation across multiple states.

Officials said no fresh arrests or recoveries were made during Friday’s searches at the Anantnag medical college. They added that the action was part of a continuing effort to trace the terror network’s operational and institutional links.

The renewed NIA action underlines the sustained counter-terror focus in Kashmir, even as agencies continue to pursue leads related to previously unearthed terror modules. Officials said investigations into the white-collar terror case were at a crucial stage, with more follow-up action likely as evidence is analysed.