New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday arrested a man from Faridabad for allegedly harbouring and providing logistical support to Dr Umar Nabi, the key accused who drove the car that exploded outside the Red Fort Metro station in Delhi on 10 November. The blast killed at least 12 people and left several others injured, prompting an extensive multi-state investigation.
NIA arrests man accused of aiding Umar Nabi
According to the NIA, the arrested man has been identified as Soyab, a resident of Dhauj in Faridabad. Investigators allege that he sheltered Umar Nabi immediately before the bombing and played an important role in facilitating movements linked to the terror plot.
A spokesperson for the NIA said that evidence collected indicates Soyab provided both accommodation and logistical support to Umar before the car bombing. Officers added that details emerging from the probe suggest several individuals supported the accused doctor and helped him evade detection.
The arrest followed sustained surveillance and interrogation of earlier detainees. The agency continues to examine digital evidence, communication networks and witness statements connected to the blast.
Multiple associates of Umar already in custody
The arrest of Soyab adds to the growing chain of detentions linked to the Red Fort attack. Six close associates of Umar Nabi had already been arrested in previous operations across states.
Last week, the NIA arrested four individuals allegedly involved in planning or executing the attack — Dr Muzammil Shakeel Ganai of Pulwama, Dr Adeel Ahmed Rather of Anantnag, Dr Shaheen Saeed of Lucknow, and Mufti Irfan Ahmad Wagay of Shopian. Investigators claim they played “key roles” in facilitating the terror strike.
Earlier, Kasir Bilal Wani alias Danish, a resident of Qazigund in Anantnag, and Amir Rashid Ali, a Kashmir-based aide of Umar, were arrested for allegedly helping with coordination, communication and logistical arrangements.
With each arrest, officials say they are uncovering more details about the wider support network behind the bombing.
Probe shows a coordinated terror module
According to NIA officers, the investigation has revealed a coordinated terror module involving medical professionals, religious figures and local operatives. The group allegedly contributed expertise and support that enabled the attack.
Investigators are also examining whether the module had backing from external handlers or foreign funding channels.
An earlier breakthrough in the probe suggested internal disputes within the group. Umar Nabi reportedly skipped a co-conspirator’s wedding after cracks appeared in the module, before later travelling to Kashmir to “mend bridges”. This detail, officers say, helps map the interpersonal dynamics and timeline of events preceding the blast.
Searches have been conducted across Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir with cooperation from local police forces.
Centre monitors probe as NIA widens its search
The Union Home Ministry handed over the case to the NIA soon after the attack due to its suspected terror links and the need for a coordinated national-level investigation.
Officials say the case is in an intensive phase and more arrests are expected. The agency is working to trace every participant, handler or supporter involved in the conspiracy.
Conclusion
The arrest of Soyab provides another key link in the investigation into the Red Fort car bombing. As the NIA continues to pursue leads and interrogate arrested suspects, the agency aims to dismantle the full terror module responsible for the attack that shocked the national capital.