Red Fort Blast: DNA testing has confirmed that Dr. Umar Un Nabi, a medical professional from Kashmir, carried out the November 10 Red Fort blast that killed at least 12 people and injured dozens, with his body blown apart in the explosion that devastated a busy street outside the historic monument.
Identity Confirmation
DNA samples from family members in Kashmir’s Pulwama were matched with human remains recovered from the white Hyundai i20 used in the attack, confirming Umar was driving when it exploded. He had purchased the vehicle just 11 days before the blast.
Terror Network Links
Officials link Umar to a Jaish-e-Mohammed logistics module operating between Faridabad, Lucknow, and south Kashmir. The group allegedly included nine to 10 members, among them five to six doctors who used medical credentials to procure chemicals and explosives materials.
Timeline Before Attack
Police stated Umar had been missing since November 9, a day after raids recovered nearly 2,900 kg of ammonium nitrate from a Faridabad warehouse. He went underground near Dhauj village, switching off five phones and skipping university duties since October 30.
CCTV footage from the blast day shows him parking near Sunehri Masjid around 3 PM before driving toward Red Fort. “He stayed there for around three hours before heading towards the Red Fort,” a senior officer stated.
Other Suspects
Dr. Shaheen Shahid, former lecturer arrested from Faridabad, is believed to have been designated to head the India unit of Jamaat-ul-Mominat, JeM’s first women’s wing. Doctors Muzammil Ahmad Ganai and Ajamul Ahmed Malik were detained for questioning about alleged network roles.
International Connections
Investigation revealed Umar Nabi and Muzammil Ganaie traveled to Turkey, where handlers are suspected to operate, according to PTI. Passports show travel shortly after joining certain Telegram groups. A handler instructed the doctor module to disperse across India, with target locations selected after the Turkey visit.
Radicalisation Process
Investigators traced radicalisation through two Telegram groups, including one reportedly operated by JeM handler Umar bin Khattab in Pakistan. Officials believe the group intended to carry out an attack similar to the 2008 Mumbai terror strikes.
Family Description
Relatives in Pulwama’s Koil village described Umar as “a quiet, introverted man who kept to himself and spent hours reading. He rarely went out or socialised,” said one family member.
Multiple agencies remain on high alert, searching for others linked to the Faridabad module.
