New Delhi, Nov 22: Intelligence agencies investigating the November 10 suicide car blast near Red Fort in Delhi have unearthed significant new evidence pointing to an international terror network, a multi-layer chain of handlers, and preparations for coordinated attacks across multiple locations, official sources said.
The blast claimed at least 15 lives and left several others injured. The suicide attacker, identified as Dr Umar Nabi, died in the explosion. Four other key accused — Dr Muzammil Shakeel Ganai of Pulwama, Dr Adeel Ahmed Rather of Anantnag, Dr Shaheen Saeed of Lucknow, and Mufti Irfan Ahmad Wagay of Shopian — are currently in NIA custody.
According to officials, Muzammil — arrested after over 2,500 kg of ammonium nitrate was recovered from Faridabad — had purchased an AK-47 rifle for more than Rs 5 lakh. The rifle was later recovered from a locker belonging to Adeel. “The weapon purchase reflects the scale of preparations and financial backing behind the module,” a source said.
Each accused was reporting to a different handler, officials revealed. Two major handlers, identified as Mansoor and Hashim, were operating under a senior controller who was monitoring the module’s activities from abroad.
Investigators also confirmed that in 2022, Muzammil, Adeel and another accused, Muzaffar Ahmad, travelled to Turkey on instructions from an individual named Okasa, linked to Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). They were expected to be routed to Afghanistan through a local contact, but the plan collapsed after a week-long wait. Okasa communicated with Muzammil via a Telegram ID, and their contact increased after Muzammil inquired about his handler.
Officials said Umar extensively studied online bomb-making material and procured chemical ingredients from Nuh, while sourcing electronic components from Bhagirath Palace and Faridabad’s NIT Market. A deep freezer recovered during searches was allegedly used to store and stabilize explosive compounds.
Sources further confirmed a heated confrontation between Umar and Muzammil at Al-Falah University in Faridabad over financial matters. Shortly after the incident, Umar handed over his red EcoSport — already loaded with explosive material — to Muzammil.
Investigators believe the group was preparing safe storage sites and planning synchronized attacks in multiple locations. “All indicators point toward a coordinated multi-location strike. Digital evidence and recovered material strongly support this,” a senior intelligence official said.
The probe continues to focus on funding channels, logistical support, and the foreign handlers operating behind the plot.
Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court on Friday declined to allow accused Jasir Bilal Wani to meet his lawyer at the NIA headquarters. He remains in NIA custody as the investigation progresses.
