The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has formed a dedicated and comprehensive investigation team to probe the recent car explosion near the Red Fort, which has been linked to a Jaish-e-Mohammad terror module unearthed by Indian agencies, sources said.
The team, operating under senior officers of the rank of Superintendent of Police and above, will ensure a coordinated and in-depth probe into the incident. The move follows the formal handover of the case from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to the NIA, citing a terror angle behind the explosion.
“The NIA has promptly registered a case and launched a detailed investigation to trace those responsible and uncover the broader network involved, if any,” a senior source said.
The agency is coordinating with central and state security units as part of its ongoing probe. Investigators are examining multiple angles, including whether the explosion was intentional or accidental, though preliminary findings suggest it is linked to the same terror module in which authorities had earlier seized a massive cache of explosives from Faridabad.
Sequence of Arrests and Recoveries
October 19, 2025: FIR registered in Srinagar’s Naugam Police Post following the discovery of objectionable posters.
October 20–27, 2025: Arrests of Maulvi Irfan Ahmad Waghay (Shopian) and Zamir Ahmad (Wakura, Ganderbal).
November 5, 2025: Dr Adeel arrested from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
November 7, 2025: Seizure of an AK-56 rifle and ammunition from Anantnag Hospital.
November 8, 2025: Additional weapons, pistols, and explosives recovered from Al-Falah Medical College.
November 9, 2025: Arrest of Madarasi, a resident of Dhauj, Faridabad.
November 10, 2025: Recovery of 2,563 kg of explosives from the residence of Hafeez Mohammad Ishtiyaq, Imam at Al-Falah Mosque in Dhera Colony, Faridabad, along with 358 kg of explosive materials, detonators, and timers.
In total, nearly 3,000 kilograms of explosives and bomb-making equipment have been seized from the module so far.
Key Suspects and Links to Red Fort Blast
Investigators are examining the role of Dr Umar, who worked at Al-Falah Medical College and reportedly fled after agencies intensified action against the module. CCTV footage indicates that Dr Umar was driving the vehicle involved in the Red Fort explosion.
Sources confirmed that the explosives used in the blast match those seized in Faridabad, further linking the Red Fort incident to the terror module. Officials are also probing whether Umar’s actions were a panicked or desperate response after being cornered by sustained agency operations.
“The NIA will determine whether the explosion was pre-planned or accidental, and whether it was executed in panic,” a source said.
The investigation continues, focusing on the network’s funding, operational logistics, and potential cross-border connections, while authorities work to prevent further attacks linked to the module.