Red Fort Blast Was Suicide Bombing, Umar Un Nabi Detonated IED From Car: NIA Chargesheet

The November 10 Red Fort blast was a suicide bombing in which accused doctor Umar Un Nabi allegedly detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) from inside the Hyundai i20 he was driving, killing 15 people, according to the National Investigation Agency's (NIA) 7,500-page chargesheet.

DNA analysis of biological material recovered from the blast site confirmed that Nabi was inside the vehicle when the explosion occurred, the agency said.

Nearly Two-Year Conspiracy Behind Blast

According to the chargesheet, the attack was the culmination of a nearly two-year conspiracy allegedly led by Nabi, a doctor and assistant professor at Al Falah University in Faridabad.

The NIA has described him as the alleged mastermind and "operational in-charge" of a revived Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGuH) module, which the agency has linked to Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS).

Investigators said reconnaissance of the Red Fort began as early as December 2023, with Nabi and other accused allegedly visiting the site repeatedly.

The agency has alleged that the historic monument was selected because it was seen as a "symbol of the Indian state".

Arrests Allegedly Forced Attack To Be Carried Out Early

The NIA has said the bombing was not carried out on a date fixed in advance.

According to the chargesheet, Nabi allegedly accelerated the plan after a series of arrests in Srinagar, fearing that investigators were closing in on the conspiracy.

The i20 used in the attack had allegedly been converted into a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED).

Investigators also recovered chemicals and laboratory equipment which, according to the agency, indicated preparations to manufacture and store explosives.

TATP, Ammonium Nitrate Traces Found

Forensic examination of material recovered from the blast site detected traces of TATP and ammonium nitrate, the NIA said.

The agency has alleged that Nabi activated the IED from inside the vehicle using a command mechanism.

The forensic findings, along with DNA evidence, form part of the agency's case that Nabi was inside the car when the explosion took place.

Extremist Literature Under Scanner

The chargesheet also details extremist literature allegedly followed by members of the module.

Among the documents examined by investigators is Lone Mujahid Pocket Book/How to Become an Assassin, which the NIA has linked to Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP).

According to the agency, the document contained guidance relating to explosives, weapons, covert operations and IEDs, besides promoting lone-wolf and suicide attacks.

Investigators also referred to documents titled Definition of Jihad, The Requirements of Jihad, The 21 Aims and Objectives of Jihad, 39 Ways to Serve and Participate in Jihad and 44 Ways to Support Jihad.

The NIA has alleged that the material promoted armed violence, rejected existing political systems and sought to portray jihad as a religious duty.

Encrypted Communication, Secret Meetings

The agency has alleged that Nabi played a central role in radicalising recruits, organising clandestine meetings, facilitating terror training, arranging funds, procuring illegal weapons and securing locations for the alleged module.

According to the chargesheet, the accused used encrypted communication platforms including Signal and held secret meetings at locations across Jammu and Kashmir and the Delhi-NCR region.

The investigation is based on forensic evidence, digital material, communications and other evidence gathered during the probe, with the NIA alleging that the Red Fort bombing was the culmination of an organised conspiracy rather than an isolated attack.