Red Fort Blast: Investigators probing Monday’s Red Fort blast have uncovered plans by the suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed-linked terror module to conduct coordinated bombings at six locations in the National Capital Region on December 6—the anniversary of the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition.
Significance of Target Date
According to top intelligence sources, arrested suspects stated during interrogation they chose December 6 to “avenge the Babri Masjid demolition.”
The 16th-century mosque, believed constructed at Lord Ram’s birthplace, was demolished by a mob on December 6, 1992. Following Supreme Court battle, a Ram Temple was built at the site, with construction from 2020 to this year.
Five-Phase Plan
Officials revealed a detailed five-phase strategy:
- Phase 1: Formation of terror module linked with Jaish-e-Mohammed and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind
- Phase 2: Procurement of raw material for assembling improvised explosive devices and arranging ammunition, sourced from Nuh and Gurugram in Haryana
- Phase 3: Manufacture of lethal chemical IEDs and reconnaissance of potential target locations
- Phase 4: Distribution of assembled bombs among module members following reconnaissance
- Phase 5: Execution of coordinated bombings across six to seven Delhi locations
Timeline Shift
Investigators stated the original plan targeted August this year, but operational delays led to selecting December 6. Officials noted Jaish-e-Mohammed has issued threats and revenge calls for Babri Masjid demolition for years, with chief Masood Azhar pledging to target Ayodhya in weekly columns.
Red Fort Blast Details
Thirteen people were killed and over 20 injured when a car exploded near Red Fort Metro station traffic signal. Dr. Umar Mohammed alias Umar un-Nabi, a Kashmiri doctor at Al Falah University in Faridabad, was driving the vehicle.
The blast occurred after 2,900 kg of explosive material, believed to be ammonium nitrate, was recovered during Faridabad raids resulting in arrests of doctors Muzammil Sheikh and Shaheen Saeed. The doctors are suspected members of Jaish’s newly formed terror module comprising highly educated professionals.
Desperation Theory
Investigators suggest a massive attack was planned, with recovered explosives and arms amassed for execution. The probe found Umar panicked after associates’ arrests and carried out the car blast in desperation, disrupting the larger plot.
The investigation continues expanding as authorities trace additional connections within the suspected “white collar terror ecosystem.”
