Investigators have reconstructed the journey of the Hyundai i20 involved in the deadly car explosion near Red Fort, concluding the vehicle entered the capital from Faridabad and travelled into Old Delhi via the Badarpur border and the Outer Ring Road, according to reporting by NDTV.
Authorities say the car was owned and driven by Dr Umar Mohammad, who has emerged as a prime suspect in the probe. The blast claimed at least nine lives and injured around 20 people.
Route, Parking and Timeline
Using CCTV from multiple locations, the Delhi Police Special Cell traced the i20’s movements from the Badarpur entry point toward Kashmere Gate and then the area surrounding Red Fort. Footage shows the vehicle parked for roughly two to three hours in the parking lot near Sunehri Masjid, adjacent to the Red Fort complex. Investigators report that Umar remained inside the car during that period and did not step out, suggesting he was either waiting for directions or for another person who never arrived.
After leaving the parking area, the car proceeded toward central Delhi. The explosion occurred near a traffic signal close to the Red Fort, authorities said.
Explosive Material and Suspected Motive
Preliminary forensic analysis points to the use of an ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil)-type device, and a detonator was reportedly fitted inside the vehicle. Police sources told NDTV that Umar and associates may have accelerated plans to strike after the arrests of two alleged module members, Dr Mujammil Shakeel and Dr Adil Rather.
Just a few hours before the blast, the Jammu and Kashmir Police, with central agencies, uncovered a major Jaish-e-Mohammed-linked terror module spanning multiple states and countries, recovering 2,900 kg of explosives, including 350 kg of ammonium nitrate, weapons, and timers from Faridabad and other locations.
The two doctors, Dr Adil Ahmad Rather and Dr Mujammil Shakeel, were arrested for procuring and storing the materials under Pakistan-based handlers’ direction. Seven others were detained in Kashmir. Investigators describe the case as a form of “white-collar radicalisation,” with professionals aiding terror operations.
Investigators are also examining the car’s transfer history. Early statements indicate the vehicle exchanged hands several times before reaching Umar:
- first to a person named Aamir,
- then to Tariq (who was detained by Jammu and Kashmir police in Pulwama),
- and finally to Umar.
A broad, coordinated probe is underway, led by the Delhi Police Special Cell and involving agencies including the NIA, NSG, IB, UP ATS, Haryana and Gujarat police, and forensic teams. Officials have said that around 13 persons have come under suspicion based on CCTV analysis and other leads; many are being questioned.
Authorities continue to examine whether the blast had a more central Delhi target and are following up on forensic samples and call data. More details were expected to emerge as interrogations and forensic tests progress.
(Source: NDTV)
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