New Delhi/Pathankot: Investigators probing last week’s blast in the national capital have taken a 45-year-old surgeon from Pathankot into custody for questioning, senior officials familiar with the matter said on Monday. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) brought the doctor in after developing what they described as “significant leads” linked to the case.
The individual, identified by sources as Dr. Rayees Ahmad Bhat—an MS-qualified surgeon associated with a private medical institution near Mamun Cantonment in Pathankot—was approached at his workplace and later escorted for detailed interrogation.
According to officials aware of the investigation, Dr. Bhat had previously served on the faculty of Al-Falah University in Faridabad between 2020 and 2021. His past professional links came under scrutiny after investigators reportedly found that he had maintained regular phone communication with some current employees of the university.
Probing agencies are also examining his alleged interaction with Dr. Umar Nabi, the man at the center of the blast investigation. Nabi has emerged as the principal suspect, and authorities are currently mapping his network of contacts to determine possible collaborators or conduits.
While officers have not confirmed whether Dr. Bhat’s role goes beyond that of a person of interest, they emphasized that he has not been formally arrested. “He is being questioned to verify information and clarify certain communications,” a senior official said, adding that the inquiry is still in its early stages.
The NIA continues to piece together digital evidence, call records, and movement patterns in hopes of establishing the motive and operational support behind the explosion. Further detentions or summonses are expected as the probe widens, officials indicated.
More details are awaited as investigators continue to build a clearer picture of the events leading up to the blast.
