NIA arrests another key aide of suicide bomber Umar in Delhi blast case; agencies suspect use of 'shoe bomb'
PTC Web Desk: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested another close associate of terrorist Umar Nabi in connection with the Delhi Red Fort car blast case. The agency on Monday detained Jasir Bilal Wani, alias Danish, from Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir. According to the NIA, Jasir provided significant technical support to Umar, including modifying drones for explosive delivery and experimenting with rocket fabrication. Investigators allege he played an active role in the planning of the attack.
A resident of Qazigund in Anantnag, Jasir is believed to be one of Umar’s primary collaborators. He was reportedly involved in the Delhi blast conspiracy along with Dr Umar, who was identified earlier as the suicide bomber responsible for the November 10 attack that killed 15 persons and injured more than 20.
Amir provided safe houses, helped build IEDs: NIA tells court
Meanwhile, new details have emerged about Amir Rashid Ali, who was arrested from Delhi on Sunday. The NIA informed the Special NIA Court that Amir had provided safe houses to Umar prior to the blast and actively assisted in assembling the improvised explosive device (IED). These revelations were made during a closed-door hearing held on Monday, where only case-related officials and legal representatives were present.
The agency also stressed the need for Amir’s extended custody, arguing that his role is crucial to understanding the wider module. The car used in the explosion was registered under Amir’s name, further strengthening the agency’s suspicion of his involvement.
Eight arrests so far; 5 of them doctors
With Jasir’s arrest, the total number of individuals detained in connection with the case has reached eight, including five doctors.
Shoe bomb suspected; traces of TATP found
Investigative agencies now suspect the use of a shoe bomb in the attack. Sources revealed that a shoe recovered from the blast-site car contained traces of ammonium nitrate and TATP (Triacetone Triperoxide), a highly dangerous, shock-sensitive explosive widely used by global terror groups. Even minor friction or heat can trigger an explosion, earning TATP the nickname “Mother of Satan.”
Security agencies are preparing to reconstruct the entire movement of suicide bomber Umar prior to the explosion. A route map based on footage from over 50 CCTV cameras, capturing the i20 car’s journey from Faridabad to Delhi, is being developed. This reconstruction aims to determine whether Umar met anyone en route, received assistance or was being tailed. Officials say mapping the NCR timeline is essential to identify potential co-conspirators and support systems.
In another development, the police recovered three 9mm bullets, including two live rounds, near the debris at the blast site. No weapon was found in the vicinity, raising questions about how the ammunition ended up there. Initial checks revealed that none of the security personnel deployed at the location were missing cartridges. The bullets, typically licensed only for special security units, are now under forensic examination.
- With inputs from agencies
