Dr Shaheen Shahid alleges false implication and religious bias after her arrest in Faridabad; Rights groups and community leaders question investigation tactics, calling for fairness and transparency
NEW DELHI – A wave of shock and sorrow swept through Lucknow’s Kandahari Line area on Tuesday as the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and Jammu and Kashmir Police raided the home of Dr Shaheen Shahid, a young Muslim doctor recently arrested from Faridabad in connection with the Delhi blast and the so-called Faridabad terror module.
Her father, Shahid Ansari, visibly distraught, told reporters outside his home, “My daughter is innocent, she’s being framed. She has spent her life serving people. We have full faith in Allah and in the truth. She cannot be part of any wrongdoing.”
According to him, Shaheen has always been dedicated to her work and has never shown interest in politics or activism. “She is a doctor, not a criminal,” he said with tears in his eyes. “We have raised our children to help others, not to harm anyone.”
Sources said the joint team of ATS Uttar Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir Police arrived at the family’s house early in the morning and searched for several hours. Officers reportedly seized mobile phones, laptops, pen drives, and documents, which have been sent for forensic analysis.
Local residents said the family had been living in the neighbourhood for years and had no record of suspicious behaviour. “They are decent people. Dr Shaheen used to attend patients even during the Covid lockdown. We cannot believe these allegations,” said Rashid Khan, a neighbour who witnessed the raid.
Investigating agencies are said to be examining Dr Shaheen’s bank statements, emails, and phone records for any links to extremist networks. Officials have so far made no public statement about the nature of the evidence collected.
The operation did not end with Shaheen’s arrest. Later in the evening, the ATS raided the Muttakipur home of her younger brother, Dr Parvez Ansari, also a medical professional. The house was searched, and neighbours were questioned about his routine and social contacts. “They came suddenly, surrounded the lane, and began asking questions,” said a neighbour who requested anonymity. “Parvez Sahab is quiet and polite. He always helped during emergencies. Nobody here believes he could be involved in anything wrong.”
Both brothers, Parvez and Shoaib, were questioned by the ATS and later released. However, family members said the constant scrutiny had left them fearful and humiliated. “We are ordinary citizens,” said Shahid Ansari. “We believe this is happening only because we are Muslims. Every time there is an attack somewhere, innocent Muslims are picked up and branded terrorists.”
Muslim community leaders in Lucknow and Delhi have expressed concern over the arrest, demanding a transparent investigation and legal protection for the accused.
Maulana Arshad Nadvi, an Islamic scholar and social activist, said, “Dr Shaheen’s case must be handled with fairness. The law must not become a weapon against an entire community. If there is evidence, let it come out in court — not through media trials.”
Several rights groups have also condemned the media’s portrayal of the case. Razia Farooqui, a women’s rights activist, remarked, “It is distressing that educated Muslim women like Dr Shaheen are being harassed under suspicion without proof. This creates fear and mistrust among ordinary Muslims.”
When contacted, ATS officials refused to comment on the ongoing investigation. A senior officer speaking on condition of anonymity said, “We are collecting evidence. It would be premature to draw any conclusions.”
However, the lack of clarity has fuelled speculation and concern. Local residents say the atmosphere in the neighbourhood has turned tense since the raids began. “We feel as if all Muslims are being watched,” said a resident. “This is not justice. This is fear.”
The Shahid family now faces long days of uncertainty. Their modest home, once a quiet place filled with patients and medical books, has turned into a scene of anxiety. “We only want truth and fairness,” said Shahid Ansari. “If my daughter is guilty, let the law decide. But if she is innocent — and I know she is — then those who framed her must be held accountable.”
For many in Lucknow’s Muslim community, Dr Shaheen Shahid’s case symbolises a growing sense of alienation. As investigations continue, her father’s words echo the fear shared by countless families: “Every time something happens, our faith is put on trial.”
