Red Fort Blast: Terror plot targeting Republic Day uncovered

New details are emerging in the investigation of Monday’s blast near Red Fort in Delhi. Analysis of the mobile phone data of arrested suspect Dr. Mujammil Ghani revealed that he conducted multiple reconnaissance visits around the Red Fort in January this year. Authorities suspect the group had targeted the historic Red Fort during Republic Day celebrations. Preliminary investigations suggest that their plan was foiled due to heightened security at the time. Officials also revealed that the group conducted additional reconnaissance with the intention of attempting an attack again next year.

Police recently uncovered a “White-Collar Terror Module” linked to Jaish-e-Mohammad and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, arresting eight individuals, including three doctors. It was in this context that the blast in a slow-moving car near Red Fort claimed 12 lives.

Forensic Evidence

The forensic science team collected 40 samples from the blast site. Preliminary examinations identified traces of ammonium nitrate. Authorities also recovered two cartridges and live ammunition. Police sources said that Dr. Umar Nabi, an assistant professor at Al-Falah University, frequently visited the Red Fort area along with Mujammil. Mobile tower location data and CCTV footage confirmed their movements. Officials stated that the suspects had targeted the Republic Day celebrations on January 26.

Following the blast, security checks intensified across Delhi. Police and paramilitary forces are conducting strict inspections of vehicles at border checkpoints including Ghazipur, Singhu, Tikri, and Badarpur. “Even a minor suspicion will not be ignored. Restoring public confidence in safety is our priority,” said a senior police officer. Sniffer dogs, metal detectors, and anti-sabotage squads are being deployed extensively.

Al-Falah University Cooperation

Al-Falah University clarified that it has no connection to the blast incident. The arrested doctors were associated with the institution only in official capacities. Vice-Chancellor Dr. Bhupinder Kaur Anand issued a statement expressing grief over the tragedy and extended condolences to the families of the victims. The university confirmed it is fully cooperating with investigative agencies, emphasizing that the explosives were found outside the campus premises. Police teams have been stationed at the university, and staff and faculty are being questioned.

Seizure of Another Vehicle

Police in Faridabad recovered a red Ford EcoSport linked to the suspects in the Red Fort blast case. A Faridabad police spokesperson confirmed the seizure. Delhi Police had alerted all stations and border checkpoints to locate this vehicle. Investigations revealed that suspects used this red car along with a Hyundai i20 in their operations. Five special teams were deployed to track the EcoSport, and authorities shared details with Uttar Pradesh and Haryana police. The vehicle is registered in Dr. Umar Nabi’s name and is suspected to have been used for reconnaissance activities.