The ongoing investigation into the Red Fort blast has brought new insights into the movements and communications of the alleged “suicide bomber,” Dr Umar Un Nabi, a Pulwama-based doctor. Authorities from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Delhi Police Special Cell, and Jammu & Kashmir Police are meticulously piecing together his final hours using digital and visual evidence.

According to officials, the NIA referred to the Hyundai i20 driver, Dr Umar Un Nabi, as a “suicide bomber” for the first time during the course of the probe. The focus has been on tracing his last known movements and understanding his communication channels prior to the incident.

Phones and SIMs: The Digital Trail

Investigators have identified two mobile phones linked to Dr Umar Un Nabi that were used between October 30 and November 10. Both devices are currently missing. Over the course of the investigation, five SIM cards were associated with him. Authorities noted that all five SIMs were deactivated on October 30, coinciding with the detention of his close associate, Dr Muzammil Shakeel Ganaie, in a Faridabad terror bust.

Officials suggest that the last two SIM cards hold critical evidence for mapping Nabi’s final movements. The dual usage of phones indicates a deliberate attempt to segregate communication: one phone for routine, personal communication and the other for operational messages directed at handlers, authorities believe.

CCTV Evidence: Tracing the Route

A total of 65 CCTV cameras were scanned to reconstruct Nabi’s movements. The most significant lead emerged from a camera at Dhauj Market, roughly 800 meters from Al-Falah University, where Nabi worked and lived. Footage from October 30 shows him inside a medical store carrying a black bag and both phones. One phone is seen being handed over to the shop owner for charging, while the other remains in his possession.

From there, authorities tracked his journey through Khalilpur and Rewasan toll plazas, into Faridabad, and ultimately Delhi. On the day of the blast, Nabi and the Hyundai i20 were captured on CCTV at Ferozepur Jhirka in Nuh outside an ATM at 1:07 a.m., marking one of the final visual confirmations of his route.

Behavior Observed by Locals

Testimonies from individuals who encountered Nabi during his last days provide insight into his mental state. Mohar Singh, a guard stationed at one of the ATMs, recounted that Nabi claimed a family medical emergency to accompany him to another ATM. During this visit, Nabi withdrew approximately ₹76,000 in two installments and left a tip of ₹1,000. Singh noticed items “covered in bedsheet material” in the rear seat and described Nabi as impatient, anxious, and driving erratically.

Similarly, Akram Khan, an employee at a roadside dhaba in Nuh, described Nabi as “restless and anxious,” noting his frequent nighttime visits. He observed that Nabi would quietly inquire about the day’s menu, eat quickly with minimal interaction, tip around ₹100, and consistently scan the road, appearing to anticipate someone or something. “He was never relaxed. He ate while looking toward the road, as if expecting someone,” Khan recounted.

Operational Implications

The dual-phone strategy and the meticulous steps observed in both digital and physical movements suggest a well-planned operational approach. Investigators are analyzing the data to determine potential co-conspirators, handler communications, and possible lapses in surveillance. The CCTV trail, combined with witness accounts, is crucial in reconstructing the timeline leading up to the Red Fort incident.

The probe continues, with authorities focusing on recovering the missing phones, tracing the SIM card communications, and interrogating associates of Nabi. Each piece of evidence, from CCTV footage to eyewitness accounts, is being used to develop a comprehensive understanding of the incident, the individuals involved, and potential networks linked to the attack.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities aim to prevent further acts of terrorism by dismantling any operational networks and ensuring that insights gained from Dr Umar Un Nabi’s movements and communications inform broader counterterrorism strategies.

The detailed mapping of his actions—from ATM withdrawals to meals at local eateries, combined with digital footprint analysis—underscores the painstaking approach of Indian investigative agencies in addressing domestic security threats. This case highlights how multiple intelligence streams, including technology, human observation, and inter-agency coordination, are critical in piecing together complex terror operations.

In conclusion, the probe into the Red Fort blast has revealed a complex web of communications and movements that point to careful planning by the alleged suicide bomber. With 2 phones, 5 SIM cards, and 65 CCTVs providing the backbone of the investigation, authorities are steadily reconstructing the final hours of Dr Umar Un Nabi, aiming to bring all connected elements of the plot to light.