Overview
- Delhi Police confirmed through DNA that Dr Umar un Nabi was behind the wheel when the Hyundai i20 exploded near the Red Fort, killing 12 people.
- Investigators say the case points to a wider plan for near-simultaneous strikes in multiple cities, with operatives working in pairs, pooled funds of roughly Rs 20 lakh, and coordination on a small Signal group.
- The government has designated the explosion a terrorist incident and the NIA now leads the probe, with several arrests including doctors linked to Faridabad’s Al-Falah University and the seizure of a second red Ford EcoSport.
- Raids across Haryana, Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir recovered approximately 2,500–2,900 kg of explosive precursors along with weapons, as forensics indicate an ammonium nitrate–based IED.
- Probe findings include multiple January recces of the Red Fort and plans tied to December 6 and Republic Day, while officials assess whether the blast detonated prematurely as the network came under pressure.