Red Fort Blast: Doctor's Failed Terror Plot Targeting Babri Masjid Anniversary Uncovered

Umar, a 28-year-old doctor from Pulwama district is believed to have been killed in the attack

New Delhi:

Dr Umar Nabi, who was driving the explosives-laden car that exploded near the Red Fort, had reportedly planned a significant attack to coincide with the Babri Masjid demolition anniversary on December 6, according to officials on Wednesday.

The investigation details emerged following interrogations of eight individuals arrested for their alleged connections to an interstate 'white collar' Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror module based in Faridabad, along with conversations with their families, friends, and neighbors.

Umar, a 28-year-old physician from south Kashmir's Pulwama district who is believed to have perished in the November 10 Red Fort blast that killed 12 people, has been identified as a central figure in the terror network spanning Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.

His planned attack was disrupted following the arrest of Dr Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie, also known as Musaib, who taught at Faridabad's Al Falah University and from whose accommodation authorities recovered 360 kg of ammonium nitrate. Officials believe Umar panicked, resulting in an accidental explosion.

Officials described Umar as a solitary individual with exceptional academic achievements. A trip to Turkiye in 2021 with Ganaie, the first person arrested by Jammu and Kashmir police, reportedly led to his dramatic transformation and radicalization, with authorities claiming the two met JeM operatives during their travels.

Following this trip, a transformed Umar allegedly began gathering explosives, including ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, and sulphur, with Ganaie, storing them around the Al Falah campus where he pursued advanced studies.

According to officials, Umar informed associates about his December terror plot and began preparations by placing explosives in his Hyundai i20, the vehicle he was driving on November 10.

Investigators believe he was assembling a vehicle-based improvised explosive device (VBIED) after studying construction and detonation techniques from internet sources.

Officials suggest Umar may have become alarmed on November 10 when a senior Faridabad police officer announced on television that authorities had dismantled a terror module and recovered 2,900 kg of explosives in Faridabad, including the 360 kg of inflammable material found at Ganaie's rented residence.

Umar sought shelter in a mosque within the walled city for three hours that Monday evening before driving away. A premature explosion occurred, with officials noting the VBIED was incomplete as shrapnel had not yet been assembled.

Among the eight arrested individuals, seven are from Kashmir: Arif Nisar Dar (alias Sahil), Yasir-ul-Ashraf, and Maqsood Ahmad Dar (alias Shahid) from Nowgam in Srinagar; Maulvi Irfan Ahmad from Shopian; Zameer Ahmad Ahanger (alias Mutlasha) from Wakura in Ganderbal; Dr Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie (alias Musaib) from Koil in Pulwama; and Dr Adeel from Wanpora in Kulgam. Dr Shaheen Sayeed is from Lucknow.

On October 26, Umar traveled to Kashmir, spending time with friends and relatives before journeying back to Faridabad. During this visit, he informed close associates that he would be unavailable for the next three months, according to officials.

This statement was corroborated by multiple friends, relatives, and co-accused during police questioning. Investigators believe he intended to plant the VBIED and then go underground temporarily.

However, his plans were disrupted following a thorough investigation by Srinagar police into JeM-supporting posters displayed in Srinagar on October 19. This investigation marked the beginning of unraveling the interstate terror network after CCTV footage revealed Ganaie and accomplices involved in posting the materials.