Kanpur: The investigation into the Delhi blast has reached a new phase as authorities scrutinize Dr. Mohammad Arif, a senior resident doctor at LPS Institute of Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, Kanpur. New revelations have emerged from Dr. Arif’s flatmate, Dr. Abhishek, who spoke at a press conference on Thursday.
According to Dr. Abhishek, he and Dr. Arif were not friends but mere colleagues sharing a flat due to the unavailability of hostel facilities. “After work, he would go straight to his room. I never noticed any unusual behavior in him, nor did he ever mention anyone named Shaheen or Parvez,” he said.
Dr. Arif was taken into custody by the ATS on Wednesday evening from Kanpur and later transferred to Delhi for further questioning alongside other accused individuals already held in connection with the blast.
Normal Behavior Observed
Dr. Abhishek added that Arif had only spoken about his father’s illness, revealing that his father is suffering from cancer. “Otherwise, he lived a very normal life. Even after the Delhi blast, his behavior did not show any signs of anxiety or distress,” he stated.
The landlord of the flat, Kanhaiya Lal, also described Dr. Arif as calm and unremarkable. “He lived here for less than a month. There was nothing suspicious about his activities. He did not socialize much, and when a team of four came to open his room, he allowed them in after a phone call,” Kanhaiya Lal explained.
Institute Tightens Security
In response, LPS Institute Director Dr. Rakesh Verma announced that all staff members will now undergo mandatory police verification. “Dr. Arif was an exceptional student with excellent academic credentials. But in the interest of safety, we must remain vigilant,” he said.
Professor Dr. Awadhesh Sharma added that Dr. Arif had been working as a senior resident in DM-MCH Cardiology since August and left the institute premises after completing his duties on Wednesday.
ATS Probes Possible Shaheen Connection
The Uttar Pradesh ATS has reportedly taken Dr. Arif into custody to examine a potential connection with Dr. Shaheen Saeed, who was previously arrested in Faridabad in a weapons and explosives case. Authorities are investigating whether Dr. Arif had any direct or indirect link to her.
New Evidence Found at Blast Site
Meanwhile, a joint team of Delhi Police and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) recovered a human body part near the blast site in New Lajpat Rai Market. DNA tests are underway to determine whether it belongs to an attacker or an innocent civilian.
Investigators are now meticulously tracing the network allegedly linking Dr. Shaheen and Dr. Arif, reviewing their digital activities, call records, and financial transactions.
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