#Justin: Red Fort Blast Accused Planned Attacks on Coffee Chain, Used Ghost SIMs For Pak Links
The Red Fort blast probe exposes a four-year module's plans for coffee chain and city attacks, halted by J&K intel using ghost SIMs.
Investigations into the car blast near the Red Fort in November last year have revealed a far wider terror conspiracy, with sources indicating that the same module had planned attacks on outlets of a global coffee chain in addition to other targets across the country.
According to officials familiar with the probe, the accused had also identified potential strike locations in several major Indian cities. The revelations emerged as agencies continued to piece together evidence linked to the November 10 blast, which had initially appeared to be an isolated incident near the historic monument in the national capital.
Sources said the group functioned as a so-called “white-collar terror module” and had remained active for nearly four years. Intelligence inputs suggested that members of the network blended into professional settings while covertly coordinating attacks, making detection more challenging for security agencies over an extended period.
Also Read: Delhi 10/11 Probe: Blast Suspects Employed Ghost SIMs to Communicate With Pak Handlers
Investigators further noted that timely intelligence shared by the Jammu and Kashmir Police played a critical role in preventing multiple planned attacks during November and December in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana. These inputs helped agencies disrupt the module’s operations before the plans could be executed, sources said.
Earlier, on January 4, officials disclosed that key members of the module, including doctors Muzammil Ganaie and Adeel Rather, relied on a sophisticated communication network to stay in touch with handlers based in Pakistan. They allegedly used “ghost” SIM cards, encrypted messaging applications, and a dual-phone strategy—maintaining separate devices for everyday use and clandestine communication—to evade surveillance and mislead security agencies.
Findings from the investigation prompted regulatory action at the national level. On November 28 last year, the Department of Telecommunications issued an order mandating that messaging applications such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal remain linked to an active physical SIM card installed in the device. The move was aimed at curbing untraceable digital communication methods similar to those allegedly used by the accused, as authorities continue efforts to strengthen counter-terror measures.
Also Read: Delhi 10/11 Probe: Blast Suspects Employed Ghost SIMs to Communicate With Pak Handlers
