New Delhi: India’s intelligence and law enforcement agencies have uncovered what they describe as a major terror conspiracy tied to the Red Fort car explosion that killed 13 people earlier this week. Investigators say the accused were preparing 32 vehicles rigged with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) for coordinated attacks across several Indian cities, according to a report by ANI.
32-vehicle plan for coordinated explosions
Sources said the probe widened after investigators discovered that the suspects had begun modifying two cars — a Hyundai i20 and a Ford EcoSport — as part of the terror module’s plan to carry out serial blasts. Officials are now tracing other vehicles that may have been similarly prepared.
“After the i20 and EcoSport, it came to light that preparations were underway to ready 32 more old vehicles which could be fitted with explosives,” an intelligence source told ANI.
Investigators believe the plan involved eight suspects, divided into four teams, each responsible for executing simultaneous car bomb attacks in different cities. The terror cell allegedly raised ₹20 lakh to fund operations, purchasing around 20 quintals of NPK fertiliser — a mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — for explosive preparation.
Key suspects and links to previous cases
Among those under the scanner are individuals already accused in earlier terror cases, including Dr Muzammil, Dr Adeel, Dr Umar, and Dr Shaheen. Intelligence inputs indicate that Dr Muzammil became radicalised between 2021 and 2022 after associating with members of Ansar Gazwat-ul-Hind, an ISIS-linked outfit.
Investigators have also found that Dr Umar Un Nabi, the primary suspect in the Red Fort blast, created a private Signal group with select members to coordinate securely. The module allegedly procured weapons in 2023 and 2024 in an effort to form an independent terror network.
Dr Umar confirmed as the bomber
On Thursday, Delhi Police confirmed that Dr Umar was indeed behind the wheel of the car that exploded near Red Fort. Forensic DNA testing matched his biological sample with that of his mother, conclusively establishing his identity.
A senior police officer told ANI, “After the explosion, Umar’s leg was found trapped between the steering wheel and the accelerator of the car, suggesting he was driving when the blast occurred. DNA profiling has conclusively identified the deceased as Dr Umar Un Nabi.”
The samples from Umar’s mother and brother were collected and analysed at the AIIMS forensic laboratory, matching the remains recovered from the blast site and those preserved at Lok Nayak Hospital.
Red EcoSport linked to accused found in Faridabad
On Wednesday, Faridabad Police seized a red Ford EcoSport (registration number DL 10 CK 0458) near Khandawali village. The vehicle is suspected to be connected to Dr Umar and his associates. Investigators are now examining whether it was one of the cars prepared for the planned series of explosions.
Political and public reactions
The revelations have intensified the political debate, with opposition leaders demanding greater transparency and an all-party meeting to review internal security. Congress leaders criticised the government for initially delaying the classification of the incident as a terror attack.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister condemned the act but urged against stereotyping communities, saying, “Not every Kashmiri is a terrorist.”
Expanding investigation
Authorities believe the group was preparing to execute the attacks “in the near future.” Agencies are now tracing the money trail, communication networks, and foreign contacts possibly linked to the module.
Investigators have not ruled out international financing or training links, as multiple suspects were reportedly in contact with militants abroad. Security forces have intensified raids across Delhi, Gurugram, Nuh, and Uttar Pradesh, with several people detained for questioning.
The findings mark one of the largest terror investigations in recent years, as India grapples with the aftermath of the Red Fort explosion and the chilling revelation of a nationwide bombing plot.