Comprehensive Timeline: The Investigation Into White Collar Terror Network Behind Delhi's Red Fort Blast

The suicide bombing at a traffic stop near the Red Fort killed 13 people

New Delhi:

A comprehensive overview of the investigation into the white collar terror network, which was dismantled before they could execute major coordinated attacks, has been compiled from various sources who spoke with NDTV.

After the arrest of several terror-linked doctors, one suspect - Umar Mohammad, a physician practicing in Faridabad who had evaded capture - became alarmed and fled Faridabad in an i20 vehicle carrying explosive materials. He eventually approached the Red Fort area, where the explosive detonated, resulting in 13 fatalities.

Below is a chronological breakdown of the investigation as detailed by a senior official involved in the case, who requested to remain unnamed.

October 30

Jammu and Kashmir Police arrived in Faridabad with search warrants. The Faridabad Police Commissioner dispatched the Crime Branch to accompany the visiting authorities.

Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie, a medical professional, was apprehended at Al-Falah University. Law enforcement transported him to Jammu and Kashmir on transit remand.

November 8

Jammu and Kashmir Police returned to Haryana and briefed local authorities about intelligence regarding weapons and explosives, derived from Muzammil's interrogation.

Authorities recovered an assault rifle, a pistol, three assault-rifle magazines, 83 rounds of ammunition, two additional pistol magazines, and seven live cartridges from a Swift vehicle on the university premises.

The vehicle was impounded.

Jammu and Kashmir Police, alongside 12 teams from the Faridabad Crime Branch, conducted extensive search operations throughout the university campus and surrounding areas, including Dhauj and nearby localities.

November 9

Law enforcement discovered 358 kg of ready-to-use explosives contained in 12 suitcases from a room in a building located in Dhauj.

They also seized timers, batteries, cutters, detonators, face masks, wigs, wires, and materials used for manufacturing improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

A bomb disposal team collected all items and transferred them to Jammu and Kashmir Police custody.

November 10

Authorities recovered 2,553 kg of ammonium nitrate - a substance capable of being utilized in IED production - packed in sacks from the residence of an individual identified as Imam Ishtiyaq in Haryana's Fatehpur Taga.

Further searches at the Dhauj property led to the discovery of explosives that were nearly complete bombs, requiring only minimal assembly.

At 6:52 pm, an explosion occurred near Delhi's Red Fort in the Chandni Chowk area.

Umar Mohammad, who had been missing since Muzammil's arrest on October 30, was captured on surveillance footage in the Nuh-Mewat region.

Investigators determined that an i20 vehicle sold by Royal Car Dealer's Sonu was connected to the case. Delhi Police Special Cell subsequently arrested Sonu.

November 12

Intelligence reports indicated that a red Ford EcoSport might be traveling from Faridabad's Khandawali village with explosives. Police intercepted the vehicle but found nothing suspicious. Forensic testing is currently underway to detect any explosive residue.

November 13

Authorities confiscated the Ford EcoSport.

Wasib, a resident of Dhauj who had parked the EcoSport at a designated location and maintained communication with the suicide bomber, was apprehended. Wasib was employed as a computer operator at Al-Falah University.

A silver Brezza SUV belonging to terror suspect Dr. Shaheen Shahid was discovered on the university campus.

National Security Guards (NSG) commandos arrived at the campus; forensic teams conducted examinations while police seized the Brezza. No suspicious materials were found, though the investigation continues.

November 14

Terror suspect Mustaqil, who had also been in contact with the suicide bomber, was detained in Sunhera village in Rajasthan's Mewat. Investigators took him into custody. After completing his MBBS degree in China, Mustaqil had worked as an intern at Al-Falah University.