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Red Fort Blast Probe Advances as NIA Arrests Eighth Accused, Searches J&K Forest for Test Sites

Disclosures by detained suspects are steering searches, guiding the NIA’s map of a 'white-collar' network.

Overview

  • Dr Bilal Naseer Malla of Baramulla was arrested in Delhi as the eighth accused, with the NIA alleging he sheltered bomber Umar-un-Nabi and destroyed evidence; a special court remanded him to seven days’ custody.
  • NIA teams searched the Mattan/Hutmurah forests in Anantnag and locations in Kulgam, taking accused Dr Adeel Rather and Jasir Bilal Wani to identify alleged explosive trial sites, with sources citing recoveries including a damaged gas cylinder.
  • A Delhi court on December 8 extended NIA custody of three doctors and a preacher by four days in closed proceedings before Principal and Sessions Judge Anju Bajaj Chandna.
  • Investigators say the case centers on a 'white-collar' module linked to educated professionals, with about 2,900 kg of precursor explosives seized in Faridabad and key activity traced to Al-Falah University.
  • The November 10 car blast outside the Red Fort was driven by Dr Umar-un-Nabi, whose identity the NIA forensically confirmed, and the multi-state investigation continues with more arrests and forensic results expected.