Delhi Red Fort blast plot traced back to January; accused surveyed Red Fort multiple times

New Delhi: Investigations into the devastating car explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort have revealed that the conspiracy had been in motion since January this year, with multiple suspects — including doctors and academics — linked to banned terror outfits Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Ansar Gazwat-ul-Hind.

Police sources have confirmed that Dr. Muzammil Gani, one of the accused, had made several visits to the Red Fort area during the first week of January. Mobile tower data and CCTV footage have established his movements alongside Dr. Umar Nabi, an assistant professor at Al-Falah University in Faridabad, who allegedly drove the car used in the blast.

“It appears the accused were surveying the Red Fort area to study crowd density and security deployment. Their activity suggests a plan to target the monument, possibly on Republic Day,” a senior official said. The plot reportedly failed due to heightened security during the national event.

The explosion that eventually occurred last Monday near the Red Fort killed 12 people and injured several others, prompting a multi-agency probe led by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Explosives and terror links:

Police raids have unearthed a staggering 2,900 kg of ammonium nitrate, potassium chlorate, and sulfur, alongside firearms, detonators, and electronic devices. These discoveries came after the arrest of eight suspects, including three doctors, who were allegedly part of an inter-state terror module.

In a major breakthrough, a cleric named Maulvi Ishtiyaq was detained in Haryana’s Mewat on Wednesday and brought to Srinagar for questioning. Over 2,500 kg of explosives were recovered from his rented residence near Al-Falah University, which police suspect was used as a storage site for bomb-making material.

According to officials, Dr. Nabi and Dr. Gani had been stockpiling explosives since 2021 after visiting Turkey, where they reportedly met operatives of JeM. Following their return, they began experimenting with explosive materials and stored them across multiple rented locations in Faridabad and Delhi NCR.

The Babri anniversary plot:

A senior officer revealed that Dr. Umar Nabi had planned a massive explosion on December 6, the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition. “Interrogation of the suspects, their family members, and friends indicates a well-orchestrated plan for a symbolic strike on that date,” the officer said.

However, the recent crackdown on white-collar terror operatives in Faridabad caused panic among the group. Investigators suspect that Umar may have been transporting explosives when an accidental detonation occurred, triggering the deadly blast near Red Fort.

Forensic evidence:

Forensic experts have collected over 40 samples from the blast site, including live cartridges and two distinct types of explosive residue. Preliminary analysis by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) suggests one of them is ammonium nitrate, while the second, more powerful compound, is yet to be identified.

Expanding investigation:

Police have also detained Amit, owner of Royal Car Plaza in Faridabad, who allegedly helped Dr. Nabi purchase the Hyundai i20 used in the blast. Another vehicle, a red Ford EcoSport, also owned by Nabi, has been recovered and is under forensic inspection. Officials believe both vehicles were part of a larger bombing plan.

NIA officials have launched simultaneous raids at over 300 locations across Jammu and Kashmir, including Pulwama, Baramulla, Shopian, and Ganderbal, targeting individuals linked to banned organizations such as Jamaat-e-Islami.

Government response:

Calling the incident a “terrorist act,” the Union government has directed agencies to pursue the probe with utmost urgency and professionalism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a special Cabinet meeting, reaffirming India’s zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism. The meeting began with a two-minute silence in memory of those killed in the explosion.

While some investigators have not ruled out the possibility of an accidental explosion, officials assert that all angles are being explored. “No hypothesis is being dismissed. Every lead, every clue — digital or physical — is being analyzed,” an NIA spokesperson said.

The unfolding investigation paints a chilling picture of educated extremists using professional identities as cover, signaling a dangerous evolution in India’s domestic terror landscape.

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