NIA Releases Medical Student After Questioning in Red Fort Blast Probe

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday evening released a medical student with family roots in North Dinajpur, a day after detaining him in connection with the recent explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort.

Nishar Alam, an MBBS student at Al-Falah University in Haryana, was picked up from the bustling Surjapur Bazar area in North Dinajpur district on Friday morning by a special NIA team that had travelled overnight from Delhi.

He was first taken to Islampur for preliminary questioning and later shifted to Siliguri for further interrogation.

Family members said the 22-year-old was released after investigators found no inconsistencies in his statement.

However, he has been advised not to speak publicly about the events surrounding his detention and to refrain from posting anything on social media related to the case.

Nishar, whose immediate family has lived in Ludhiana for decades, had travelled to Konial village under Dalkhola police station two days ago with his mother and sister to attend a relative’s wedding. His ancestral home is located in the village.

NIA officers had earlier contacted Nishar’s father, Touhid Alam, in Ludhiana during the probe into the Red Fort blast.

On learning that his son was visiting North Dinajpur, investigators began tracking his mobile phone, which alerted them to his presence near Surjapur Bazar on Friday morning, prompting the swift operation.

The sudden detention left the family shocked.

“We have always known him as a quiet, well-mannered boy focused only on his studies,” said Nishar’s uncle, Abul Kashem. “We were stunned to hear that the NIA picked him up.”

He added that investigators may have questioned some of Nishar’s classmates during the wider probe, which could have led to his detention.

Local residents of Konial also expressed disbelief, describing Nishar as polite, studious and unlikely to be involved in any unlawful activity.

The case has drawn attention to Al-Falah University, as three doctors arrested earlier in connection with the Red Fort explosion were also found to have links to the institution.

Investigators are reportedly examining whether any larger network or pattern connects the accused.

The NIA has not issued a formal statement on Nishar’s release, but officials indicated that the investigation into the blast — which triggered heightened security and multiple arrests — remains ongoing.