New Delhi:Investigators probing the recent Red Fort car explosion have confirmed through DNA analysis that Dr Umar Nabi, a Pulwama resident and alleged member of a terror module, was driving the vehicle that detonated near the historic monument earlier this week.
According to police officials, DNA samples collected from human remains found at the blast site were compared with those of Umar’s mother, which had been obtained on Tuesday for verification. “The test results conclusively matched. The findings confirm that Umar was indeed the person driving the car when it exploded,” said a senior officer familiar with the investigation.
The blast, which occurred on Monday evening, caused widespread panic near the Red Fort and came just hours after Delhi Police claimed to have dismantled a ‘white-collar’ terror network allegedly linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGH).
A Doctor Turned Militant
Dr Umar Nabi, originally from Koil village in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, was one of the central figures in the module. Described by investigators as a “highly educated radicalized operative,” Umar reportedly used his medical background to evade scrutiny and communicate discreetly with handlers across states.
The terror network, which was neutralized earlier this week, had eight members under arrest, including three medical professionals. Authorities believe the group was planning a series of coordinated attacks in northern India.
Massive Explosives Seized
Following the bust, law enforcement agencies recovered nearly 3,000 kilograms of explosive substances, including ammonium nitrate, potassium chlorate, and sulphur, from locations spread across Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. These materials, investigators say, were meant to be used for multiple high-intensity blasts.
“The Red Fort explosion appears to have been accidental, triggered before the intended time,” said an officer, adding that forensic teams are still analyzing the remnants of the vehicle to determine the cause of detonation.
Capital on High Alert
The Delhi Police and National Investigation Agency (NIA) have heightened security around key landmarks following the blast. Additional patrols and vehicle checks have been ordered in high-footfall areas, while forensic experts continue to comb through digital evidence seized from the suspects.
The confirmation of Umar’s identity has provided a major breakthrough in the ongoing probe, officials said. Investigators are now focusing on tracing his associates and understanding the full scope of the terror network’s operations across multiple states.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant but avoid spreading rumours as the investigation progresses.
