The investigation into the high-intensity car explosion near the Red Fort Metro Station has entered a critical phase, with authorities prioritizing DNA testing to confirm the identity of the suspected bomber. The blast, which occurred on Monday evening, has officially claimed at least 12 lives and injured over 20 people.
Here are the latest, most crucial updates emerging from the joint probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Delhi Police:
1. Identity Confirmation: DNA Samples Collected
The primary focus of the investigation is to confirm that the charred remains found in the exploded Hyundai i20 car belong to the prime suspect:
- Suspect ID: Dr. Umar Mohammad, a 36-year-old doctor from Koil village, Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir.
- Action Taken: Police teams traveled to Pulwama and have collected DNA samples from Dr. Umar’s mother to match with the body parts recovered from the blast site.
- Detention: Dr. Umar’s father, Ghulam Nabi Dar, has also been detained by the J&K Police for questioning as the probe into the terror network widens.
2. ‘Fidayeen’ Attack Triggered by Panic
Investigators strongly believe the explosion was a hurried and desperate act, likely carried out in a ‘Fidayeen’ (suicide) style attack after the suspect’s terror network was compromised.
- The Trigger: The blast happened just hours after a massive raid in Faridabad, Haryana, where police busted a sophisticated “white-collar” terror module and seized a staggering 2,900 kg of IED-making material (including ammonium nitrate and detonators).
- Motive: Dr. Umar, allegedly associated with the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)-linked module and fearful of imminent arrest, is believed to have detonated the explosive-laden car.
3. ‘White-Collar’ Network Unravels
The investigation has uncovered a deep-rooted network of radicalized professionals operating under the cover of legitimate institutions:
- Arrested Associates: Eight individuals, including at least three doctors—Dr. Muzammil Ganaie, Dr. Adeel Ahmad Rather, and Dr. Shaheen Sayeed (a woman doctor)—have been arrested from J&K, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Many suspects were linked to Al-Falah University in Faridabad.
- Explosive Cache: The 2,900 kg of IED material seized confirms the module was planning multiple, large-scale terror strikes, with the seized explosives matching the materials used in the Red Fort blast.
- Car Tracing: Authorities are aggressively tracing the ownership chain of the Hyundai i20 car, which was passed through multiple hands—including detainees Mohd Salman (original owner), Aamir Rashid Mir, and Tariq Malik—in a bid to mask its final delivery to Dr. Umar.
4. Security and Legal Response
- NIA Takes Over: The Ministry of Home Affairs has officially transferred the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which has registered an FIR under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
- High Alert: A high alert remains across the National Capital Region (NCR). The Lal Quila Metro Station remains temporarily shut down, and heightened security is in place at all major public transportation hubs.
The government has vowed a complete crackdown on the network, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah assuring that “each and every culprit” will be brought to justice.
