The family of suicide bomber Umar Nabi, who has been identified as the man behind the Red Fort blast, has claimed he was a “kind man who loved children” — even as investigators confirm his direct involvement in the deadly explosion that killed at least nine people and injured over twenty others near the Red Fort Metro Station in Chandni Chowk on Monday evening.
Family in denial after identification
According to police officials, Nabi’s remains were identified through DNA matching and forensic examination of body fragments recovered from the site. The 28-year-old from Srinagar’s Nowhatta area was allegedly radicalised online and had been missing for over two months, according to preliminary investigation reports.
Despite these findings, his family has publicly rejected the official version, portraying him as a victim. “Umar was very attached to kids, he loved them. He could never do such a thing,” his mother said in an emotional statement to local media, adding that the family was being “targeted unfairly”.
Investigators, however, maintain that the evidence — including digital trails, CCTV footage, and testimony from a local mechanic who worked on the car — clearly links Nabi to the explosive-laden sedan that detonated near a crowded intersection close to the historic Red Fort.
Investigators trace last movements
Security agencies have pieced together Nabi’s last movements using CCTV footage. He was seen parking the vehicle near Red Fort Metro Station minutes before the blast at around 7 PM. Officials believe the explosion was intended to cause maximum casualties during the evening rush hour.
“We have strong leads suggesting a pre-planned operation. The materials used indicate a professionally assembled device, and we are exploring possible external links,” said Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora during a briefing on Tuesday.
Sources said teams are investigating whether Nabi acted alone or was part of a larger cell. Several arrests have been made in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh in connection with the case, as agencies explore potential cross-border networks and local logistical support.
Political leaders call for unity, restraint
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who chaired a high-level meeting with intelligence and security chiefs, urged citizens to remain calm and avoid speculation. “We will ensure that every hand behind this act of terror is brought to justice,” he said.
Political reactions have been swift. Opposition leaders condemned the attack while calling for stronger counter-radicalisation measures. Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged the public not to generalise an entire community over the actions of “a few misguided individuals.”
Red Fort sealed as probe expands
The iconic 17th-century Red Fort, one of Delhi’s busiest tourist landmarks, remains closed to the public for three days as bomb disposal squads continue to sweep the surrounding areas.
Officials from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Delhi Police Special Cell are jointly analysing fragments of the explosive device and vehicle parts to trace the source of the materials used.
Eyewitnesses recalled scenes of panic and chaos immediately after the blast. “There was a loud explosion, and people started running. The car was in flames within seconds,” said Rajesh Kumar, a shopkeeper near the site.
Conclusion
While the family continues to defend Umar Nabi’s character, investigators are building a strong case that the Red Fort blast was a suicide bombing — one of the deadliest in the capital in recent years. As security agencies expand the probe, officials have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities in crowded areas.