NIA Makes Significant Progress in Delhi Red Fort Bomb Blast Investigation; Amir Rashid Arrested
New Delhi: In a major breakthrough in the investigation into the bomb blast at the Red Fort in Delhi, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has made its first arrest. Amir Rashid Ali, a key suspect in the case, was apprehended by NIA agents in Delhi. Preliminary investigations have revealed that the Hyundai i20 car used in the bombing was registered under Amir’s name.
The investigation into the blast, which took place at the iconic Red Fort, had been initially handled by the Delhi Police but was subsequently transferred to the NIA for a more extensive probe. The arrest of Amir Rashid Ali marks a crucial development in uncovering the identities and motives of those behind the attack.
Background of the Suspect and the Attack
Amir Rashid Ali, a resident of Pampore in Jammu and Kashmir, is alleged to have worked closely with Dr. Umar Nabi, the mastermind behind the attack. According to NIA officials, Amir helped in procuring the car used in the blast and traveled to Delhi specifically to assist in the execution of the attack.
The NIA’s forensic investigation revealed that the driver of the vehicle, who was killed in the blast, was identified as Dr. Umar Nabi, a faculty member at Al-Falah University in Faridabad. Dr. Nabi, a radicalized ideologue, is believed to have played a key role in orchestrating the attack and had been searching for a potential suicide bomber (Fidayeen) for over a year.
Involvement of the ‘White-Collar’ Terror Module
The NIA’s investigation has uncovered a ‘white-collar’ terror module, which had been operating for over a year, looking for individuals to carry out suicide attacks. Dr. Umar Nabi is believed to be the mastermind behind this module. According to NIA officials, he was actively recruiting young individuals from various parts of Jammu and Kashmir, including those with no prior terrorist backgrounds.
Jasir alias Danish, a member of the module, was detained in South Kashmir’s Khazigund area. Following his detention, he was taken to a rented accommodation near Al-Falah University in Faridabad, where he was reportedly being groomed to become a suicide bomber by Dr. Umar and other module members. Despite being pressured to carry out the attack, Jasir refused, citing Islamic prohibitions against suicide.
Amir Rashid Ali’s Role
Amir Rashid Ali’s involvement in the bombing is now central to the investigation. He is accused of not only procuring the vehicle but also of working closely with Dr. Umar Nabi to plan and execute the attack. The NIA’s investigation also revealed that Ali had traveled to Delhi specifically to assist in the preparation of the blast. Following his arrest, the agency has seized another vehicle linked to Dr. Umar Nabi, which could provide further insights into the conspiracy.
Continued Investigation and Evidence Collection
So far, 73 witnesses have been questioned by the NIA as part of the ongoing investigation. The agency is working in coordination with Delhi Police, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Haryana Police, and Uttar Pradesh Police to gather more evidence and track down additional suspects involved in the blast.
The NIA has confirmed that it is actively pursuing leads to identify other individuals who may have played a role in the bombing. Intelligence agencies are continuing their efforts to dismantle the larger network behind the attack and prevent further incidents of this nature.
Conclusion
The Red Fort bombing investigation continues to make significant strides with the arrest of Amir Rashid Ali and the identification of Dr. Umar Nabi as the mastermind behind the attack. As the NIA works to gather more evidence and uncover the full extent of the conspiracy, the authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to protect national security and prevent future terror activities.
