Red Fort car blast probe widens: Umar Nabi’s house razed, Nuh link surfaces and 5 more detained | Key updates
PTC Web Desk: Days after the deadly explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort, the investigation has expanded across several states, with security agencies tracing links to Pulwama (J&K), Kanpur and Hapur (UP), and Nuh and Faridabad (Haryana). Multiple teams are now coordinating to uncover the wider network behind the attack.
On Friday, security forces demolished the Pulwama home of Dr Umar Nabi, whose DNA matched samples from the blast site, confirming he was driving the explosive-filled Hyundai i20 that killed at least 13 persons and injured many more. Umar, an assistant professor at Al Falah University in Faridabad, is suspected of being associated with Dr Muzammil Shakeel Ganaie and Dr Adeel Rather, who were arrested last week with a massive cache of ammonium nitrate, detonators, timers, and weapons.
As the investigation intensifies, teams have carried out widespread raids and detentions across multiple states.
Top developments in the Red Fort car blast case
House of Dr Umar Nabi razed
The residence of Delhi suspected bomber Dr Umar Nabi in Koil village, Pulwama, was demolished early Friday. Investigators say Umar had links to individuals earlier arrested for stockpiling over 2,900 kg of explosive material in Faridabad.
Five more detained
Two doctors and two staff members of Al-Falah University are among five new detainees. Arrests include Kanpur cardiologist Dr Mohammad Arif Mir and Hapur-based gynecologist Dr Farukh, both originally from Kashmir. They are suspected of links to Dr Shaheen Shahid, arrested earlier in the case. Another doctor who allegedly travelled to Turkey with two suspects is also under scrutiny. All detainees are now in the NIA’s custody for questioning in Delhi.
Al-Falah Medical College under investigation
NIA has sought records from 2019 onwards from Al-Falah Medical College and its parent university. Investigators are examining hostel records, faculty hiring and financial dealings to determine whether the accused doctors used their positions to recruit individuals, raise funds or coordinate logistics for the attack.
Nuh connection revealed
Officials have traced the procurement chain of explosives to Basai Meo village in Nuh, and parts of Faridabad, Gurugram, and Saharanpur. Umar and another suspect allegedly posed as farmhouse owners to purchase NPK fertiliser in small batches over months.
The module reportedly raised Rs 20 lakh to acquire over 26 quintals of NPK fertiliser and 1,000 kg of ammonium nitrate, powerful enough to make multiple explosive devices.
Fourth vehicle seized
A silver Maruti Brezza, registered under Dr Shaheen Shahid’s name, has been seized, making it the fourth vehicle tied to the investigation. Others include the Hyundai i20 used in the blast, a Ford EcoSport recovered from a Faridabad village, and a Swift Dzire allegedly used to transport explosive material.
- With inputs from agencies
