A powerful blast near Delhi’s Red Fort on Monday evening killed at least 12 people and injured 20 others. Investigators have identified the suspected driver of the car that exploded as Dr Umar Nabi, a Pulwama-based doctor, allegedly tied to a recently busted terror network.
Police said the Hyundai i20 burst into flames near a traffic signal close to the monument around 7 pm. Dr Nabi is believed to have died on the spot. On Tuesday, the Jammu and Kashmir Police took a DNA sample from his mother to match it with the remains recovered from the site.
Officials confirmed the case has been handed to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) after a review meeting chaired by Home Minister Amit Shah.
Also Read: Red Fort explosion declared ‘bomb blast’, historic monument closed for 3 days after deadly attack
Link to Faridabad Terror Module
Hours before the blast, police in Faridabad had arrested eight people, including three doctors, and seized nearly 2,900 kg of explosives. Investigators say the group had links to Jaish-e-Mohammed and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, operating across Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
Among those held were Dr Muzammil Ganaie and Dr Shaheen Sayeed from Al Falah University. Shaheen allegedly headed the group’s women’s wing, Jamaat-ul-Mominat.
Dr Umar Nabi, who also worked with the same university, may have feared arrest after learning of their detention. Investigators suspect ammonium nitrate, fuel oil, and detonators were used in the explosion. A man named Tariq, who had given the car to Umar, is now in custody.
Delhi on High Alert
Teams from the NIA, Delhi Police, and intelligence agencies have fanned out across Delhi and Kashmir. CCTV footage shows a masked man driving the car; it is believed to be Umar himself. The vehicle was reportedly parked for three hours before the blast.
Searches continued overnight in Daryaganj and Paharganj guest houses to trace possible accomplices. The Red Fort Metro Station remains closed, and traffic diversions are in place.
Security has been stepped up at airports, railway stations, and border check-posts. All incoming vehicles are being thoroughly screened.
Also Read: CCTV shows fireball near Red Fort after Delhi blast; 12 killed
Red Fort Blast Victims
Among the deceased are Ashok Kumar (34) from Amroha and Amar Kataria (35) from Delhi. Others are yet to be identified; most victims were aged 28 to 58.
Father of Delhi blast accused detained in Pulwama
Back in Kashmir, police have detained Umar Nabi’s father, Ghulam Nabi Bhat, for questioning, just hours after his wife’s DNA test. Several doctors who worked with Umar in Faridabad are also being questioned.
Officials say forensic reports will confirm whether the Red Fort blast and the Faridabad module are part of a single coordinated plot.