In the blast near Delhi’s Red Fort, 12 people lost their lives and several others were injured. According to the latest reports, the explosive device was not fully developed, which limited the intensity of the explosion. Forensic experts are currently examining the type of explosive used, while investigators have found links to 2900 kg bomb-making materials seized in Faridabad.
Senior security sources told PTI that the bomb was premature and not fully developed, thus limiting the impact. The explosion did not create a crater, and no shrapnel or projectiles were found on the spot, the security assessment said.
The sources said it’s suspected the main suspect panicked after the Faridabad raid, leading him to change locations in haste.
The investigators suspect that the explosion could be accidental rather than a suicide attack. The sources said that suspects did not follow the usual pattern of a suicide car bombing — neither rammed the car into a target nor collided intentionally.
Eight people, including three doctors, were arrested and 2,900 kg of bomb-making material was seized following the busting of the white collar terror module on November 9 and 10.
Who Carried Out the Blast?
The police investigation has traced the case to Dr. Umar Nabi, a resident of Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir. The i20 car that exploded was allegedly driven by Umar, whose links have reportedly been traced to the terror module busted in Faridabad. Umar had been on the run since the Faridabad terror module was exposed.
As per sources, Umar spent nearly three hours in the car, using the internet to track updates about the arrests of his associates in Faridabad. Authorities now have data tracking his car’s 11-hour route before the explosion.
Investigators believe Umar was likely carrying explosives, possibly ammonium nitrate, inside the vehicle when the blast occurred.
