UP Police, ATS Investigate Missing Kashmiri IIT Kanpur PhD Students Amid Red Fort Blast Inquiry
On November 22, 2025, reports emerged that the Uttar Pradesh Police and the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) are investigating the mysterious disappearance of two Kashmiri PhD students from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur. This development comes in the wake of a bomb blast that occurred near the Red Fort in Delhi on November 10, which resulted in the deaths of 13 individuals and left several others injured.
Details of the Missing Students
According to sources within the Uttar Pradesh Police, the two students have been unaccounted for over the past 15 days. One student has been missing since October 18, while the other vanished on the same day as the Red Fort explosion, November 10. Both students enrolled at IIT Kanpur in 2019 and are currently pursuing their doctoral studies.
Investigative Actions Taken
In response to the students’ disappearance, various investigative agencies, including the ATS, UP Police, and the Local Intelligence Unit, have initiated a thorough inquiry. Their efforts include:
- Reviewing student records at IIT Kanpur.
- Verifying movement logs of the missing students.
- Gathering intelligence to understand the circumstances surrounding their disappearance.
Officials from IIT Kanpur have stated that they lack information regarding the students’ current whereabouts, but the timing of their disappearance has raised significant concerns, particularly given the recent violent incident in Delhi.
Context of the Red Fort Blast Investigation
The Red Fort blast has drawn considerable attention, leading to intensified scrutiny of individuals linked to the incident. The State Investigation Agency (SIA) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police has been actively pursuing leads related to the blast. Recently, they detained a suspect named Tufail Ahmad, an electrician from Pulwama, who was apprehended in connection with the ongoing investigation.
Related Arrests and Developments
In a related case, a Kashmiri doctor named Umar Nabi, who was employed at Al-Falah University in Faridabad, managed to evade arrest after his associates were taken into custody by J&K Police and Haryana Police. The authorities are working diligently to piece together the connections between these individuals and the blast.
Legal Proceedings
Furthermore, a Special NIA Court has granted permission for Jasir Bilal Wani, an associate of Dr. Umar Muhammad, who is implicated in the blast, to meet with his lawyers. Wani, described by the NIA as an active co-conspirator, was arrested on November 17 in Srinagar for allegedly providing technical support for terror attacks. His involvement reportedly included modifying drones and attempting to develop rockets prior to the car bomb explosion.
Government Response
In light of these events, the state government and police headquarters have requested a detailed report concerning approximately 150 Kashmiri students residing in Kanpur. This proactive measure aims to ensure the safety and security of the student community amidst rising tensions and concerns regarding terrorism.
Public and Institutional Reaction
The disappearance of the two PhD students has sparked widespread concern among the academic community and the general public. Many are calling for increased vigilance and support for students from conflict-affected regions, emphasizing the importance of ensuring their safety and well-being.
Conclusion
The investigation into the missing students and the Red Fort blast continues to unfold, with multiple agencies working to uncover the truth behind these alarming events. As the situation develops, it remains crucial for authorities to address the safety of students and the broader implications of such incidents on national security.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on reports available as of November 22, 2025, and may be subject to change as new developments arise.
