Delhi Red Fort Explosion: Car Owner Linked to 'White Collar' Terrorist Network

The car was first sold to an individual named Aamir (R) and then to Umar (L)

New Delhi:

A significant connection has been discovered between the explosion near Delhi's Red Fort that claimed nine lives and the "white collar" terror network recently dismantled by Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana police forces. Top sources confirmed early Tuesday that the vehicle involved in the blast was owned by a doctor from Pulwama in south Kashmir who was affiliated with this terror module.

Authorities are now investigating the incident as a terrorist attack, with Delhi Police implementing sections 16 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), which address terrorism and associated penalties. Additional charges include sections 3 and 4 of the Explosive Substances Act, along with murder and attempted murder.

Sources report that Dr. Umar Mohammad, the car's owner, allegedly triggered the explosion near the Red Fort after becoming alarmed by the arrests of two key network members - Dr. Mujammil Shakeel and Dr. Adil Rather - and the seizure of approximately 2,900 kg of suspected explosives in Faridabad, Haryana over recent days.

Investigators suggest the intended target might have been somewhere in central Delhi, as the vehicle was observed moving from the Red Fort toward the city center. Law enforcement and intelligence agencies believe substantial quantities of ammonium nitrate were utilized in the attack. This same substance, commonly found in fertilizers but also usable for explosive devices, is believed to be what authorities recovered during their raids.

The explosion occurred shortly after joint police operations from Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana recovered thousands of kilograms of suspected explosives alongside weapons and ammunition from two Faridabad residences, both rented by Dr. Mujammil Shakeel.

Police Commissioner Satish Golcha stated to reporters: "A slow-moving vehicle stopped at a red light, an explosion happened in that vehicle, and due to the explosion, nearby vehicles were also damaged."

The Red Fort area, which includes the bustling Chandni Chowk marketplace, represents one of Delhi's most congested and populated districts.

Images from the scene revealed mutilated bodies on the ground and blood splattered across the roadway. The resulting fire engulfed at least six automobiles and numerous motorized rickshaw taxis.

A comprehensive multi-agency investigation is currently underway, collaboratively managed by Delhi Police, J&K Police, NIA, NSG, Intelligence Bureau, UP ATS, Haryana Police, Gujarat Police, and forensic teams. J&K Police have detained an individual named Tariq in Pulwama; preliminary interrogation indicates the vehicle used in the attack changed ownership multiple times. According to initial reports, the car was first transferred to someone named Aamir, then to Tariq, and finally to Umar. Officials anticipate more precise information will emerge by Tuesday afternoon as questioning continues.

The J&K Police had been investigating and pursuing the Jaish-e-Muhammad module for 26 consecutive days.

Home Minister Amit Shah stated Monday night that "no possibility is being ruled out" and all angles - including terrorist connections and cross-border involvement - are under examination. As Delhi remains on high alert, key suspects from the Faridabad module are being interrogated for potential links to the explosion that has shocked the nation.

The "white collar" terror module, comprising radicalized professionals, was dismantled by police and intelligence agencies during operations across J&K (Srinagar, Anantnag, Ganderbal, and Shopian) and Faridabad over recent days.

On Sunday, authorities recovered 350 kilograms of explosives, 20 timers, assault rifles, handguns, and ammunition from a room Shakeel had been renting in Dhoj for approximately three and a half years. The second operation occurred 4 kilometres away in Fatehpur Taga village, where investigators confiscated 2,563 kg of suspected explosives. This property was also leased by Shakeel. The collaborative operation between Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir Police, ongoing for roughly 15 days, resulted in the seizure of over 2,900 kg of bomb-making materials.

The professionals comprising the terror module are directed by handlers based in Pakistan and other nations, and are involved in various terrorist activities, including displaying posters supporting terrorist organizations.