The investigation into the Red Fort blast is focused on 3 points: the 3-hour movement of the suspect, the network linked to Faridabad University and the nature of the explosive. Heavy explosives have been recovered from Faridabad and two people have been arrested.
New Delhi: Delhi Police and security agencies have focused the investigation into the blast that took place near the Red Fort complex on Monday evening on three important aspects. On Tuesday, Delhi Police sources said that Delhi Police is focusing on the activities of the suspect, the suspicious network linked to a university in Faridabad and the nature of the explosive used in the incident. The most important investigation by the Delhi Police revolves around the three-hour period when Dr Omar, who was allegedly driving the i-20 car in which the blast took place, parked his car in the parking lot of the Red Fort.
The biggest doubt: What did Dr. Omar do between 3:19 pm and 6:22 pm?
Investigators are trying to find out what the suspect, Dr Umar, did between 3:19 pm and 6:22 pm, especially whether he stopped by the vehicle, met anyone, or conducted a recce of the area in relation to the Hyundai i20. Authorities are also investigating whether he was waiting for the peak-hour crowd to gather on nearby roads before detonating the blast. According to sources, the suspect arrived at the parking lot at around 3:19 pm and left at 6:22 pm. Police are analyzing whether he talked to anyone during this time or took instructions from any other source.
Why did you decide to stay in the high-security zone?
Investigators are also questioning why he decided to stay in the high-security zone for nearly three hours. The possibility that he might have been waiting for logistical help or a signal from a sleeper cell is also being investigated. The second aspect of the investigation is related to doctors of a university in Faridabad, whose names have come to light during the investigation. Police are investigating the number of active and inactive members associated with this suspected network, which is believed to have active sleeper cell connections.
The third aspect of the investigation focuses on the nature of the blast itself. Unlike previous blasts in the capital, where sharp objects like nails, ball bearings or blades were used to increase the impact, police have not found any such fragments at the blast site near the Red Fort. Investigators are puzzled as to how the blast caused so much damage, shattering nearby vehicles, while leaving no craters or the kind of marks typically seen after a powerful explosion.
According to sources, officials suspect that the Delhi blasts and the recovery in Faridabad could be part of a larger terrorist network spread across the states. The agencies are also investigating the source of the recovered weapons and explosives, whether they came in different consignments, and who helped in their delivery. Officials are also tracing other members of the Telegram group, which was allegedly used for conversations, to verify how long it was active and who ran it.
The investigators are also trying to find out whether Umar, Muzammil or Adil themselves conducted the recce in Delhi or were dependent on some other operative for the work. In a major breakthrough on Monday, Jammu and Kashmir Police along with Haryana Police recovered 360 kg of suspected ammonium nitrate and 2,900 kg of IED-making material, including chemicals, detonators and wires, from an apartment in Faridabad. Dr. Muzammil and Adil Rather were arrested in this case.