Srinagar / New Delhi: The investigation into the deadly Red Fort blast has widened, with Jammu and Kashmir Police detaining four individuals for questioning in connection with Monday’s explosion near the historic monument in Delhi.
According to police sources, those detained include the brothers of Dr. Umar Nabi, a medical professional from Jammu and Kashmir who is currently absconding. Nabi is suspected to have driven the Hyundai i20 car that exploded near the Red Fort metro station, killing 12 people and injuring several others.
Officials revealed that Dr. Umar Nabi was associated with Al-Falah University in Faridabad, the same institution where another doctor, Dr. Muzamil Ahmad Ganai alias Musaib, was arrested earlier this week for his alleged involvement in a terror module. Ganai, a resident of Koil in Pulwama, had been working at the university for over three years.
“Preliminary investigation suggests a possible link between the Red Fort explosion and the inter-state module recently busted by Jammu and Kashmir Police,” said a senior official familiar with the case. “Efforts are ongoing to trace Umar’s movements and verify his role in the incident.”
On Monday, J&K Police announced the dismantling of a so-called “white-collar terror network,” arresting eight people, including three doctors, and seizing nearly 2,900 kilograms of materials used for manufacturing Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Among those held was Dr. Shahin Shahid, a woman doctor from Uttar Pradesh working at the university’s hospital.
Following Ganai’s arrest, Dr. Umar Nabi reportedly went underground. Investigators believe he may have been directly involved in transporting the explosive device that detonated near the Red Fort.
In addition to the detentions, authorities are also verifying the ownership details of the car used in the explosion. One of the individuals being questioned is Amir Rashid, a resident of Pulwama, whose Aadhaar card was reportedly used to purchase the i20 vehicle.
“Questioning of the detained persons is ongoing, and more arrests are likely as the probe progresses,” an official said.
The blast, which took place on Monday evening, has prompted a massive security review across Delhi, with central agencies coordinating closely with the police forces of Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh to uncover the full network behind the attack.
