The deadly explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort on Monday evening, which claimed the lives of 13 people and left 21 others injured, has sent shockwaves across the national capital. In a rapidly unfolding investigation, Delhi Police have traced the source of the blast to a Kashmir-based doctor, Dr Umar Un Nabi, who is suspected to have terror links and was likely behind the wheel of the ill-fated Hyundai i20 at the time of the explosion.
According to two officers from the Delhi Police Special Cell, preliminary investigations suggest that Umar was connected to a terror module that came to light following a massive seizure of explosives in Faridabad, Haryana. The module had earlier led to the arrest of two other doctors, also from Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting a disturbing pattern of coordination among the suspects.
Tracing the Car: A Trail Leading to Umar
The investigation quickly zeroed in on the Hyundai i20, which became a critical lead in unraveling the Faridabad connection. The car, registered under multiple names over recent weeks, was traced through a chain of ownership that ultimately led to Umar.
One of the investigating officers explained, “The car was initially registered in the name of a man named Salman, who revealed that he had sold it to Devender. Devender was picked up for questioning and disclosed that he had sold the car to a man named Taariq. While we were searching for Taariq, we discovered that the car was last in the possession of Umar Un Nabi.”
The officer added that the trail from Taariq to Umar was painstaking but crucial in connecting the vehicle to the terror module. “While tracking Taariq, we found that Umar was last associated with the Hyundai i20. We located him and confirmed that he was inside the vehicle at the time of the attack. Further investigation revealed that he was working in the same terror module as his associates—doctors Muzammil Shakil and Adil Ahmed Rather,” the officer said.
Connections to Faridabad Terror Module
The Faridabad terror module had come under police scrutiny after law enforcement authorities seized nearly 2,900 kilograms of ammonium nitrate and other bomb-making materials from a hideout in the region. Dr Muzammil Shakil was arrested on October 30, followed by Dr Adil Ahmed Rather, both of whom were reportedly working with Umar.
The police said Umar likely executed the Red Fort explosion in retaliation or continuation of the module’s operations after his friends’ arrests. “We have confirmation of their link from the Jammu and Kashmir police as well. Umar appears to have carried out the explosion after his associates were apprehended,” said a second officer involved in the investigation.
The Blast and Immediate Aftermath
The explosion occurred on Netaji Subhash Marg near the historic Red Fort, one of Delhi’s busiest and most densely populated areas. CCTV footage from nearby locations shows the Hyundai i20 slowing down at a red light just moments before the blast. The sheer intensity of the explosion damaged multiple nearby vehicles and left the surrounding streets in chaos, with fragments of the car and debris scattered across the area.
Authorities believe the blast was triggered by a high-intensity explosive, likely ammonia gel or a similar compound, which would explain the magnitude of the damage and fatalities. While the exact mechanism of detonation is still under investigation, officials are exploring whether the explosion was accidental during transport or a deliberate act of terror.
Legal Proceedings and FIR
In response to the incident, Delhi Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), along with relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relating to murder and attempt to murder. Provisions of the Explosives Act have also been invoked, given the nature of the material involved.
Authorities are coordinating with Jammu and Kashmir police, intelligence agencies, and Faridabad officials to piece together the sequence of events that led to the blast, including Umar’s movements, the sourcing of explosives, and the role of other module members.
Investigative Focus
The investigation has multiple threads running simultaneously. Officials are:
- Confirming the identity of the occupants of the Hyundai i20 through DNA and forensic analysis.
- Tracing the source and movement of explosives, linking them to the Faridabad module and potential suppliers.
- Understanding the motive, including whether the blast was retaliatory following the arrests of module members or part of a larger planned terror operation.
- Identifying co-conspirators, especially those still at large who may have facilitated logistics, materials, or planning.
Initial findings suggest a high degree of organization and coordination, underscoring the sophistication of the network involved.
Security and Public Response
The blast near the Red Fort has raised serious questions about security in high-profile areas of the capital. Following the incident, authorities intensified security checks, cordoned off sensitive zones, and deployed additional forces across Delhi to prevent any further threats.
Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha has emphasized that every lead is being followed rigorously and that public safety remains a top priority. While there is no confirmed link to any international terrorist organization as of now, officials are keeping all possibilities under consideration.
The Bigger Picture: Pulwama-Faridabad Axis
The investigation into Umar Un Nabi highlights a troubling connection between Kashmir-based operatives and terror modules in other parts of India. By linking the Red Fort blast to the massive explosives haul in Faridabad, authorities are uncovering a network that spans multiple states and involves professionals like doctors, raising concerns about radicalization and recruitment among educated youth.
As the probe unfolds, law enforcement agencies aim to dismantle the network entirely to prevent further attacks and ensure accountability. Officials have also called for increased vigilance in urban centers and public spaces, particularly those with symbolic significance or heavy footfall.
Conclusion
The Delhi Red Fort explosion on November 10 has been traced to a Kashmir-based doctor, Dr Umar Un Nabi, who is suspected of driving the Hyundai i20 during the blast. Police investigations reveal a direct connection between Umar and the Faridabad terror module, which had been under scrutiny after the seizure of over 2,900 kg of explosives. The methodical tracing of the car’s ownership, coordination with multiple law enforcement agencies, and forensic analysis are key elements of the probe.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the blast, identify additional co-conspirators, and determine whether it was a retaliatory act or part of a broader terror plan. Meanwhile, the tragedy has raised urgent questions about security, urban vulnerability, and the reach of terror networks into professional circles, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance, coordinated intelligence, and swift judicial action.
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