Mirza Shadab Baig: Missing IM Operative and Link to Delhi Terror Blasts

New Delhi, November 21, 2025: Mirza Shadab Baig is a missing Indian Mujahideen (IM) operative who has emerged as a significant figure in the investigations following a recent car blast in Delhi, due to his past connection to major terror attacks and his alma mater, Al-Falah University. He is a key accused in the 2008 serial bombings in both Delhi and Ahmedabad and remains one of India’s most wanted terrorists, believed to be residing in Pakistan. He is currently the subject of an Interpol Red Notice.

Role and Alleged Terror Activities

Mirza Shadab Baig is alleged to have held a key leadership role within the Indian Mujahideen’s network:

• Indian Mujahideen Module Head: He reportedly headed the Azamgarh module of the IM.
• Key Conspirator: Police records from 2008 indicate he was instrumental in recruiting and indoctrinating individuals into terror plans, including his cousin, Saquib Nisar. He also played a vital role in merging two terror groups—one from Azamgarh and a second from Delhi consisting of students.
• Direct Involvement in 2008 Blasts: Baig was actively involved in recce operations for the bombings in Delhi and Ahmedabad and had a direct role in planting explosives at India Gate during the 2008 Delhi serial blasts. Although the bomb planted at the children’s park near India Gate was detected and defused, bombs in Karol Bagh, Connaught Place, and Greater Kailash exploded. The 2008 Delhi blasts killed 20 and injured over 100 people, while the Ahmedabad blasts killed 56 and injured 246.
• Logistics and Other Blasts: He is also linked to the procurement of explosives for the 2008 Jaipur blasts, where he reportedly supplied detonators and bearings, and is cited as one of the alleged key conspirators in the German Bakery blast case in Pune (2010/2011).

Background and Al-Falah University Connection

Baig’s name has resurfaced in the context of the latest Delhi blast due to his academic history:

Following the 2008 bombings and the subsequent Batla House encounter, where a key associate was killed, Baig fled the country:

• Flight from India: He fled India in 2008 and is wanted by authorities.
• Current Location: Baig is believed to be in Pakistan, possibly along with founding IM members, the Bhatkal brothers, and other wanted operatives. He also reportedly spent a brief period in Saudi Arabia.
• Continued Association: After fleeing, he and others briefly associated with the Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP) before forming another outfit called Ansar-ud Tawhid.

The current investigation into the recent Delhi car blast has intensified the scrutiny on Al-Falah University, given Baig is one of multiple terror operatives linked to the institution over the years, making his background a key focal point for authorities examining the wider terror network.