Delhi Red Fort car blast: Rs 20 lakh fund trail linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed handler

Investigators have made significant progress in the probe into the November 10 car blast near the historic Red Fort, which claimed 12 lives and injured several others. Intelligence agencies have uncovered a Rs 20 lakh funding trail linked to three doctors from Jammu and Kashmir – Dr Umar-un-Nabi, Dr Muzammil Shakeel, and Dr Shaheen Saeed – reportedly routed through a hawala network by a handler associated with the terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Delhi Police confirmed that three cartridges – two live and one empty – were recovered from the blast site. The cartridges were of 9mm calibre, a type restricted for civilian possession and generally used by security forces. However, no firearm or its components were found, leaving investigators to determine how the ammunition reached the site and whether it was linked to the main suspect.

In a major step, Delhi Police registered a fresh FIR under sections related to criminal conspiracy, broadening the scope of the investigation. Authorities have also heightened security around the Red Fort, with strict surveillance at all entry points and surrounding areas to prevent any further incidents.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has cancelled the registration of four doctors from Jammu and Kashmir – Dr Muzaffar Ahmad, Dr Adeel Ahmad Rather, Dr Muzamil Shakeel, and Dr Shaheen Saeed – from the Indian Medical Register, effective November 14, 2025. Delhi Police have already arrested Dr Adeel Ahmad Rather, Dr Muzamil Shakeel, and Dr Shaheen Saeed due to their alleged links to prior terror cases.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the accused group had plans for coordinated explosions across four cities, with each pair of suspects assigned to specific targets, transporting multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs) for simultaneous attacks. Forensic DNA testing confirmed Dr Umar-un-Nabi as the individual who carried out the Red Fort blast. Al-Falah University, where Dr Umar and Dr Muzammil were employed, clarified that the institution had no connection with the accused beyond their professional capacities and denied storing or using any hazardous chemicals on campus.

All DNA, explosive, and other forensic samples from the blast site have been collected and sent for detailed examination. The investigation has now been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

In a related development, an accidental explosion at the Nowgam Police Station in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday night resulted in nine personnel dead and 32 injured. This occurred during an ongoing investigation into a major seizure of explosive materials, chemicals, and reagents in Faridabad on November 9–10, underscoring the continuing risks associated with handling high-grade explosive substances.

The unfolding investigation into the Red Fort car blast reflects a multi-pronged approach, combining financial tracking, forensic science, and law enforcement coordination to prevent further terror incidents and dismantle networks attempting coordinated attacks across India.