NEW DELHI: The investigation into the deadly car blast near Red Fort earlier this week has uncovered major financial and logistical links pointing to a larger terror conspiracy. Officials probing the case said the driver of the Hyundai i20 that exploded — identified as Umar Mohammad alias Umar Nabi — allegedly received around ₹20 lakh through illegal hawala networks to execute the attack, which has so far claimed 13 lives.
Preliminary findings reveal that Mohammad purchased large quantities of fertilisers using cash payments in Haryana’s Nuh district, raising further suspicion about the preparation and planning behind the explosion. Several hawala operators believed to have handled the illegal transfer of funds have been detained for questioning as investigators trace the money trail.
Blast near Red Fort leaves 13 dead
The explosion took place on Monday evening when a white Hyundai i20 parked near the Red Fort area suddenly blew up. At least 20 people were injured, and several surrounding vehicles were severely damaged due to the intensity of the blast. Panic swept through the area as bystanders rushed to assist the wounded.
The incident occurred just hours after eight people — including three doctors — were arrested and over 2,900 kg of explosives were seized during the busting of a “white-collar” terror module linked to the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGH). The network was active across Kashmir, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
Investigators recreate timeline of events
To understand the sequence of events leading to the blast, investigators have compiled a list of all vehicles that entered the parking zone where the explosive-laden car remained stationary for nearly three hours. CCTV footage from inside the Red Fort Metro station has emerged as key evidence, capturing critical moments before and after the explosion.
Officials are scanning the video footage to ascertain whether Mohammad met anyone at the spot. His photographs are also being shown to vehicle owners and parking attendants for possible identification of accomplices.
Accused linked to Faridabad university
Born in Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir, in 1989, Mohammad worked as a doctor at Al-Falah University in Faridabad, which is now under investigation. Two other former doctors associated with the university — Muzammil Ganaie and Shaheen Sayeed — have also been arrested. Authorities recovered 360 kg of ammonium nitrate from the institution during searches.
In a separate development, the Crime Branch has registered two FIRs against Al-Falah University on charges of cheating and forgery, based on regulatory violations reported by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).
Conclusion
As the probe progresses, investigators are focusing on the flow of funds, procurement of bomb-making materials, and possible foreign handlers. The arrests of multiple individuals, recovery of explosives, and hawala linkages point to what officials describe as a coordinated terror operation involving multiple states. The case continues to unfold as teams trace digital footprints, financial trails and possible sleeper cells connected to the blast.