The National Investigation Agency (NIA) made another breakthrough in the Red Fort bombing case, arresting a Faridabad resident identified as Soyab. The accused was providing shelter and logistic support to Dr Umar-un Nabi, the man who drove the explosive-laden Hyundai i20 that blew up near the historic monument on November 10. The blast resulted in the death 15 people and injured over two dozen.
Investigators stated that Soyab, a native of Dhauj village, allegedly gave refuge to Umar shortly before the attack and helped him facilitate his movements. As per the NIA statement, the arrests strengthen their understanding of the module behind the bombing.
Part of wider ‘white of collar’ network
Soyab is the seventh accused to be arrested in the case. Earlier this month, the agency held six individuals spared across Jammu & Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh, including Dr Muzzamil Shakeel Ganai, Dr Shaheen Saeed, Mufti Irfan Ahmad Wagay and Dr Adeel Ahmed Rather. They were detained in Srinagar under production orders issued by Patiala House Court.
Two others, Amir Rashid Ali, in whose name the Hyundai i20 was registered, and Jair Balil Wani alias Danish, were accused of offering technical assistance and were arrested earlier in the probe.
Officials stated to ANI that the newly arrested suspect will be probed with the earlier detained accused as investigators piece together the operational structure of the “white-collar” module that helped the bomber.
Investigation widens across states
The NIA took over the probe on November 11 and has since conducted raids and searches across several states with the assistance of Haryana Police, Delhi Police, Uttar Pradesh Police and J&K Police. The agency has so far questioned 73 witnesses, including survivors.
Forensic analysis has confirmed that the deceased bomber was Dr Umar-un Nabi, an Assistant Professor of General Medicine at Al Falah University, Faridabad. Another vehicle related to him has also been seized and is being probed for evidence.
The NIA stated that it remains committed to identifying every individual involved in the conspiracy and dismantling the entire terror module responsible for one of Delhi’s deadliest attacks in recent years.