A Mother’s Shock: ‘I Learnt About It From Others’
In a story that has sent shockwaves through a quiet Pune neighbourhood, the arrest of Dr. Muzammil Shakil on terror-related charges has left his family grappling with disbelief. The most poignant voice is that of his mother, whose words paint a picture of a world turned upside down.
“I learnt about it from others,” she said, her voice reportedly heavy with anguish. This simple sentence reveals the sudden and impersonal nature of the news. For her, the discovery that her son was at the centre of a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe came not from officials, but through the hushed whispers of the community.
Who is Dr. Muzammil Shakil and Why Was He Arrested?
Dr. Muzammil Shakil, a respected medical professional, was arrested by the NIA earlier this week in connection with its investigation into an alleged ISIS Pune module. The agency alleges that Dr. Shakil was a key figure, actively involved in recruiting members and funding activities for the proscribed terrorist organisation. Authorities claim he was part of a cell attempting to further ISIS’s violent ideology within India.
The profile of the accused—an educated, English-speaking professional—challenges stereotypical images and raises difficult questions about radicalisation in unexpected quarters. For the NIA, the arrest is part of a larger effort to dismantle so-called “sleeper cells” that blend into urban life.
Family’s Staunch Denial of Terror Allegations
Back in their modest home, Dr. Shakil’s family has come forward with a staunch and unequivocal denial of all terror allegations. Speaking to local media, relatives described Dr. Shakil as a dedicated, god-fearing man whose life revolved around his clinic, patients, and family.
“He has never shown any inclination towards such things,” a close family member insisted. “He is a doctor. His work is to save lives, not to take them. This is a mistake, a terrible misunderstanding. We have full faith in the judiciary and believe the truth will prevail.”
The family’s defence portrays a man dedicated to healing, more likely to be found with a stethoscope than extremist literature. Their denial is a desperate plea for the world to see the son they know, not the plotter he is alleged to be.
Two Narratives Collide: A Healer or a Plotter?
As the legal battle begins, two starkly different narratives will compete for the truth. The NIA will present its evidence—alleged electronic communications, financial trails, and witness testimonies—to build its case against Dr. Shakil. On the other side, his family and legal team will work to dismantle these claims, portraying him as a victim of circumstance or mistaken identity.
For now, the story remains suspended between a mother’s pain and a nation’s security concerns. While the principle of “innocent until proven guilty” is a cornerstone of the justice system, a family waits in anguish as the investigation unfolds.
