Content
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has unveiled a far more extensive terror plot linked to the Red Fort blast than was initially known. Contrary to earlier reports suggesting the use of a car bomb from the start, the accused first intended to launch large-scale drone and rocket attacks in Delhi, using tactics reminiscent of terror groups like Hamas and ISIS. These groups have previously deployed drones to deliver explosives or fire small rockets to cause maximum destruction and panic. The terror module aimed to replicate these methods by modifying drones to carry and launch explosives. However, lacking the necessary technical skills, they attempted to recruit experts in electronics, mechanics, and coding to build the required systems. One key accused, Jasir Bilal Wani, was reportedly involved in this technical experimentation, working on drone parts and explosives near Al Falah University in Faridabad.
After weeks of slow progress on the drone plan, the group shifted to a car bomb strategy, considered easier to execute without technical help. A Hyundai i20 was procured with the help of accused Amir, who played a crucial role in acquiring the vehicle. The explosives were packed inside the car, which was then driven by Dr. Umar un Nabi, the suicide bomber, on November 10. The explosion near the Red Fort killed at least 14 people and injured many others, causing widespread panic and damage to nearby vehicles. Prior to the blast, a significant cache of explosives was seized from a location linked to Al Falah University, raising concerns about the university’s nexus with the terror network.
Dr. Umar un Nabi, a Kashmiri doctor associated with Al Falah University, was deeply involved in planning and coordinating the terror activities. He also formed an encrypted communication group on the Signal app to coordinate the module’s operations, including members like Muzammil, Adeel, Muzaffar, and Irfan, each handling different roles within the network. The arrest of Jasir Bilal Wani, a political science graduate from Jammu and Kashmir, shed light on the technical ambitions of the group. Wani admitted to working closely with Umar and was allegedly being groomed for a future suicide attack.
The probe also revealed a clear division of roles within the terror module. Financing was mainly managed by doctors like Dr. Muzammil, recruitment was led by Irfan, who brought in several Kashmiri youths, and weapons movement was coordinated by Adeel, Umar, Muzammil, and Irfan. The group used encrypted communication and trusted personal links to evade detection. Weapons including a Krinkov rifle and a pistol were found in the possession of accused Dr. Shaheen, who reportedly made significant financial contributions to the group. Multiple meetings were documented where weapons were cleaned, handed over, and collected, indicating a well-organized operation.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Police Crime Branch has launched an investigation into Al Falah University, registering two FIRs. One FIR alleges the university falsely claimed to have a University Grants Commission (UGC) 12B certificate on its website. The university’s alleged connection to the terror module has raised serious questions about the institution’s role and oversight. As the investigation continues, the NIA is examining digital devices, financial records, and communication networks to uncover further details about the module’s structure and activities.
