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New Delhi: The probe into the November 10 suicide car blast near Delhi's Red Fort has uncovered a wider terror conspiracy, with investigators now saying the Jaish-linked module had spent nearly two years preparing a string of coordinated explosions across India. An NDTV report citing sources close to the investigation told agencies that the suspects had stockpiled explosives and were self-funding the operation with large cash contributions.
According to officials, the dispute within the module erupted shortly before the attack, when Dr Umar Mohammad and his associate Dr Muzammil Shakeel clashed over finances and the storage of explosive material. Muzammil is said to have given the group two options -- return the money, or hand over all the material to him. The second option was chosen, and the stored explosives were later recovered based on his disclosure after arrest.
Investigators have found that Muzammil created a Signal group to settle the dispute, adding Umar, Adil, Mufarr and Irfan, but the argument went unresolved. Muzammil has since confessed to the NIA that the conspiracy dates back to 2023 and involved plans to carry out multiple blasts in Delhi and other cities. He admitted he had been collecting explosives and components for two years.
According to the probe, Muzammil was assigned to procure ammonium nitrate and urea, while Umar was tasked with converting them into explosive material. Muzammil purchased 26 quintals of NPK fertiliser from Gurugram and Nuh and handed it over to Umar, who was also responsible for arranging chemicals, remotes and triggering devices.
Investigators have also concluded that the module was self-financed. Probe findings state that Muzammil contributed Rs 5 lakh, Dr Adil Ahmed Rather Rs 8 lakh, Dr Mufarr Ahmad Rather Rs 6 lakh, Dr Umar Rs 2 lakh, and Dr Shaheena Shahid R 5 lakh. A total of Rs 26 lakh was handed to Umar in cash.
The NIA has so far arrested six accused, including Muzammil, Adil, Shaheena and Mufti Irfan Ahmad Wagay, all picked up recently from Srinagar. Two others -- Amir Rashid Ali, in whose name the blast vehicle was registered, and Jasir Bilal Wani alias Danish, alleged to have provided technical support -- were earlier arrested.
