Terror Plot Exposed: Delhi Blast Suspects Met Jaish-e-Mohammed Handlers in Turkiye Before Red Fort Attack

Two of the three suspected doctors connected to Monday's Red Fort suicide bombing had traveled to Turkiye to meet with their Jaish-e-Mohammed handlers, according to sources.

Dr. Muzammil Shakeel, a close associate of Dr. Umar Nabi, was apprehended alongside Dr. Adeel Ahmad Rather on Monday morning in a joint operation conducted by Jammu and Kashmir police and Haryana police. The operation dismantled a "white-collar" terror module and resulted in the seizure of 2,900 kg of explosives along with weapons including assault rifles and pistols. Sources indicate this operation prompted Nabi to execute the blast.

The Turkiye visit reportedly played a critical role in strengthening the module, which was discovered through the investigation of two Telegram groups. Nabi and Jammu and Kashmir native Imam Irfan Ahmed participated in these groups, one managed by JeM terrorist Umar Bin Khattab, which facilitated their radicalization process.

Conversations in these groups initially focused on Kashmir's independence and alleged oppression of its people before evolving to discussions about jihad and retribution for perceived injustices.

Following their return from Turkiye, the module sought to expand its network throughout India. Shakeel joined Al Falah Medical College in Faridabad, while Rather was stationed in Saharanpur. Additional members were positioned across different states to handle recruitment and logistics.

Intelligence agencies are now mapping all individuals who had contact with members of this module.

Here are the latest developments in the Delhi suicide bombing as of Wednesday:

The terror module, reportedly linked to Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed, had been planning the attack for months, according to sources. The group had been preparing 200 powerful Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) intended for high-profile areas in Delhi, Gurugram and Faridabad.

Beyond the i20 car used in the Delhi explosion, the suspected suicide bomber and his key associate had acquired two additional vehicles from Delhi, NDTV has learned.

While Monday's explosion near Delhi's Red Fort metro station claimed nine lives, the attackers had originally devised a larger attack plan reminiscent of the November 26, 2008 Mumbai attacks. Targeted locations included Delhi's Constitution Club, Gaurishankar temple, and various malls, sources informed NDTV.

Nabi is believed to be the suicide bomber who perished in the November 10 blast. Three other doctors - Shaheen Saeed, Muzammil Shakeel Ganale, and Adeel Rather - who worked at Al-Falah University in Faridabad, were detained but are likely to be released.

A Forensic Science Laboratory official confirmed that both ammonium nitrate and high-grade explosives were utilized in the Red Fort blast. Over 40 samples, including two cartridges, live ammunition, and explosives, were collected from the site.

Experts from the forensic department of Maulana Azad Medical College observed a cross-injury pattern on some victims' bodies. This indicates that people collided with walls or the ground due to the blast's impact, resulting in broken bones and head injuries. Some victims exhibited damage to lungs, ears, and abdomen, suggesting the explosion occurred at very close range.

Police are thoroughly examining the databanks of all arrested and detained individuals. Their Aadhaar cards and driving licenses are under scrutiny, while authorities are also analyzing call logs, WhatsApp, Telegram, and travel history.

According to sources quoting Muzammil, who was arrested with 2,900 kg of bomb-making explosives, the terrorists had previously planned to attack a crowded location during Diwali, but were unable to execute that plan.

Saeed was later discovered to have been tasked with establishing the women's brigade of Jaish-e-Mohammad.

Her former husband Dr. Hayat Zafar stated that Saeed held liberal views and wasn't particularly religious. Before their separation in 2012, she had wanted their family, which includes two children, to relocate to Australia or Europe.

The management of Al Falah University expressed anguish over these "unfortunate developments" and condemned them. Professor (Dr) Bhupinder Kaur Anand, Vice-Chancellor of the university, issued a statement clarifying that the institution maintained only a professional relationship with these doctors.

As a precautionary measure, Lal Quila Metro Station remained closed on Wednesday.

Regarding Monday's incident, CCTV footage revealed that the blast occurred in a Hyundai i20 car in slow-moving traffic during evening rush hour near the Red Fort Metro Station. The high-intensity explosion killed at least nine people and injured nearly two dozen others.