Investigations into the Red Fort blast and the seizure of large quantities of ammonium nitrate have renewed scrutiny on homegrown radicalised groups and revived memories of the Indian Mujahideen, according to security officials. 
The probe has uncovered a new pattern of self-radicalised modules operating with minimal direct oversight from Pakistan&rsquo;s ISI.
Officials note several similarities between the Faridabad module and earlier Indian Mujahideen networks. 
Both were composed entirely of Indian Muslims, many of whom were educated and came from financially stable families. 
However, the manner in which Pakistan engaged with these entities differed significantly.
While the Indian Mujahideen was part of the Karachi Project and handled closely by Pakistani operatives, the Faridabad module consisted of self-radicalised individuals who raised their own funds. 
The group aligned ideologically with the Jaish-e-Mohammed and was guided locally by Maulvi Irfan Ahmed from Jammu and Kashmir.
Investigators say the members initially chose not to operate in Jammu and Kashmir, instead planning attacks in other parts of India. 
Pakistan&rsquo;s involvement, they say, came later through handlers based in Afghanistan. 
The group reportedly financed its operations using its members&rsquo; high-paying salaries, enabling them to procure ammonium nitrate, acetone, hydrogen peroxide and nitric acid &mdash; chemicals that create explosives requiring no external triggering device.
Security officials describe the Faridabad network as a &ldquo;true homegrown&rdquo; module, with its command centre largely based in India. Pakistan&rsquo;s role, they note, was reduced but not absent. 
The ISI is believed to have planted the ideological seeds by radicalising individuals in Jammu and Kashmir and using them as intermediaries to supervise such modules. 
This approach, officials say, helps Pakistan avoid direct traceability.
According to intelligence assessments, the ISI&rsquo;s strategy is shifting toward creating decentralised, self-sustaining terror units that function in &ldquo;auto-pilot mode,&rdquo; minimising links that could lead investigations back to Islamabad. 
This is seen as an attempt to evade international scrutiny, including the threat of returning to the FATF Grey List, and to avoid provoking strong Indian responses such as Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam attack.
Officials warn that this emerging model poses a new security challenge and is likely to be used more frequently in the future.
&mdash;IANS

Security personnel inspect seized explosives in Delhi

Red Fort probe reveals ISI’s low-contact India modules running on ‘auto-pilot’

ISI’s ‘Auto-Pilot’ Terror Modules Exposed

Red Fort probe reveals ISI’s low-contact India modules running on ‘auto-pilot’

November 26, 2025 | 17:51 IST