Investigators probing the Red Fort car explosion that killed nine and injured over 20 are exploring whether the blast was triggered in panic by the prime suspect, Dr Mohammad Umar, moments before the car blew up near the historic monument on Monday evening.
Faridabad Terror Module Under the Lens
According to officials, Dr Mohammad Umar, employed at Al Falah Medical College in Faridabad, is suspected to be part of a terror module operating from the city. Two other doctors from Kashmir – Adeel Ahmad Rather and Muzammil Shakeel – are also being probed for links to the same network.
Rather, a former senior resident at GMC Anantnag, was arrested last week, while Shakeel remains at large. Investigators say Rather’s interrogation led them to a series of raids in Faridabad, during which Umar’s name surfaced. He was allegedly in the car that exploded hours later.
2,900 kg of Explosives Seized
Nearly 2.9 tonnes of bomb-making material, including ammonium nitrate, were recovered from rooms in Faridabad allegedly rented by the suspects. Officials believe part of the stock was used to prepare the IED that detonated near the Red Fort.
CCTV footage shows a white Hyundai i20 entering the Sunehri Masjid parking area at 3:19 pm and exploding around 6:52 pm. The car remained stationary for over three hours before the blast.
Panic Blast or Planned Suicide Attack?
Reports suggest Umar may have accidentally or fearfully triggered the device after learning about police surveillance of his associates. Investigators, however, are not ruling out the possibility of a suicide mission. DNA testing is underway to confirm whether Umar was inside the vehicle at the time of the explosion.
Car Ownership Trail
The car, bearing registration HR26CE7674, had exchanged multiple owners before Umar reportedly acquired it via a Faridabad dealer. CCTV footage shows a man resembling Umar in the driver’s seat shortly before the detonation.
UAPA Case Filed; NIA Joins Probe
The Delhi Police Special Cell has filed a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Explosive Substances Act, in addition to murder and attempt to murder charges. The NIA and IB are assisting in the investigation.
‘Educated Radicalization’ Worries Investigators
Officials say the case reflects a new pattern of radicalization, with highly educated professionals using their expertise to aid terror operations. “This shows a troubling shift – from traditional networks to educated, tech-savvy individuals,” officials said.
Security Tightened Across Delhi
Security has been heightened across the Capital, especially near heritage zones, public transport hubs, and crowded markets around the Red Fort. Police have also stepped up surveillance at entry points to the city.
