Threema App: The investigation into the car blast near Delhi’s Red Fort has now taken a digital turn. Security forces have linked the conversations of three doctors, Dr. Omar Un Nabi, Dr. Muzammil Ganai and Dr. Shaheen Shahid, related to this attack to a little-known Swiss messaging platform Threema. According to the police, all these accused are said to be associated with Al-Falah University of Faridabad and were in constant touch with each other through this app before the blast. Threema’s deep encryption and complete anonymity made them extremely difficult to track.

Threema’s Secret Network

Investigation revealed that the accused had created a closed and secure communication circuit by taking advantage of the structure of Threema. On this app, neither mobile number nor email is required, only a random ID becomes the complete identity. This is the reason why the suspect remained out of surveillance for so long.

According to sources, all three had gone ahead and created their own personal Threema server. Through this they kept sharing files, locations, maps and planning documents. End-to-end encryption, no metadata storage and permanent deletion of messages on both sides make it extremely challenging for investigative agencies to find evidence.

Forensic teams are now trying to find out whether this private server was in India or abroad and whether other people were also involved in this module. Cyber ​​investigation of the recovered devices is ongoing.

Threema banned in India

After Threema’s role came to light, it was revealed that even before this, two Telegram groups were on the radar of agencies. However, due to the limited amount of data stored on the app, the investigators have very limited material.

Threema was banned in India in May 2023 under Section 69A of the IT Act. Government investigation had found that many Pakistan-based networks were using such high encryption apps to spread propaganda and maintain contacts in India.

The banned list included many apps like Zangi, Briar, Nandbox, SafeSwiss, BChat, Element, Second Line, MediaFire and IMO, all such where monitoring was almost impossible.

Despite this, the investigating agencies suspect that the accused kept using Threema by dodging the country’s restrictions with the help of VPN. They could use this app without restrictions even during foreign trips, especially to Türkiye and UAE.

The payment system of this app also makes tracking difficult. To purchase Threema, users can send cash to the office in Switzerland or use Bitcoin, neither method creates any digital record.

New form of digital terrorism

The investigation of the Red Fort blast clearly shows how complex and out of control the digital aspect of terrorism has become in modern times. A Swiss app designed for privacy fell into the wrong hands and became a means of hiding a deadly conspiracy. As forensic teams uncover the layers of the conspiracy, it is clear that the future security battle is even more complex in the digital world than it is on the ground.

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