Diaries of Red Fort blast accused Umar and Muzammil reveal plans for multiple explosions

Security agencies have recovered diaries belonging to Dr Umar and Dr Muzammil, the main accused in the Delhi Red Fort blast case, shedding light on the meticulous planning behind the attack, sources said.

The recovered diaries, which cover the period November 8 to 12, indicate that preparations for the blast were underway during these dates. They contained the names of approximately 25 individuals, most from Jammu and Kashmir and Faridabad, suggesting a coordinated and well-planned operation.

The diaries were retrieved on Tuesday and Wednesday from Dr Umar’s room number 4 and Dr Muzammil’s room number 13. Investigators also recovered a diary from Muzammil’s room, the same location where 360 kg of explosives were seized in Dhauj, just 300 meters from Al-Falah University. The entries reportedly included code words, which authorities are currently deciphering to reconstruct the conspiracy.

Sources indicated that after the Hyundai i20 and red Ford EcoSport, the suspects were planning to prepare two more vehicles to expand the scope of the attack. Around eight suspects were allegedly coordinating to carry out simultaneous explosions at four locations, with pairs assigned to specific target cities. Each group was reportedly set to transport multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Individuals under investigation include Dr Muzammil, Dr Adeel, Dr Umar, and Shaheen, all linked to past terror cases. According to sources, the police were able to foil a larger terror conspiracy that could have targeted multiple cities. Investigators found that the accused had collectively raised about Rs 20 lakh, which was handed over to Umar for operational expenses. This funding was reportedly used to purchase over 20 quintals of NPK fertiliser, worth around Rs 3 lakh, from Gurugram, Nuh, and nearby areas to manufacture IEDs.

Agencies also uncovered that Umar created a Signal app group with 2–4 members to coordinate activities securely. Investigators revealed that Dr Muzammil had become affiliated with Ansar Gazwat-Ul-Hind, an ISIS offshoot, between 2021 and 2022, following contacts with associates of slain terrorists. He was reportedly introduced to the network by an individual named Irfan, alias Maulvi.

Weapons recovered in 2023 and 2024 are believed to have been procured by this module as part of preparations to form an independent terror group. Authorities continue to trace the broader network, suspecting that the accused intended to execute attacks imminently.

Meanwhile, Delhi Police confirmed that the individual who carried out the car blast near the Red Fort on November 10 was Dr Umar Un Nabi, after forensic DNA testing matched his biological sample with his mother’s. The explosion claimed 12 lives and left several others injured.