Delhi Red Fort car blast: House of Dr Umar, who drove explosive-laden car, demolished in Pulwama
The car explosion near Red Fort on Monday night claimed 13 lives and left several others injured
PTC Web Desk: Security forces on Friday conducted a controlled demolition of the Pulwama residence of Dr Umar Nabi, a key suspect in this week’s Red Fort car blast, officials said. The house was destroyed using an improvised explosive device (IED) as part of the ongoing investigation. The demolition took place during the night between Thursday and Friday.
Investigators have confirmed that the Hyundai i20 used in Monday’s Red Fort explosion, which killed 13 persons and injured more than 20, was driven by Dr Umar, a Kashmir-based doctor. DNA samples collected from the blast site matched those of his mother, confirming his identity. Officials are still probing his exact role in the attack.
Following the blast, Jammu and Kashmir Police conducted raids, arresting six persons, including three of Dr Umar’s family members. Reports indicate that Umar had maintained contact with two other doctors from Kashmir, who were detained after the Faridabad terror module was uncovered. The module had involved the seizure of 2,900 kg of explosives.
Authorities said Dr Umar, earlier regarded as a bright and academically accomplished doctor, had reportedly turned radical over the past two years. Investigators found that he had joined multiple extremist messaging groups on social media.
Officials revealed that Umar, along with Dr Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie and Dr Shaheen Shahid, had used the Switzerland-based encrypted platform Threema to plan and coordinate the attack. Umar also reportedly set up a small Signal group with limited members to manage parts of the operation.
The group had allegedly collected over Rs 26 lakh in cash, which Umar reportedly used to purchase 26 quintals of NPK fertiliser, worth approximately Rs 3 lakh, from suppliers in Gurugram, Nuh and nearby areas. Mixed with other chemicals, NPK is a common ingredient in improvised explosive devices.
Sources said around eight suspects were planning to split into pairs to carry out coordinated blasts across four cities.