New CCTV evidence has uncovered the chilling movements of Dr Umar Nabi, the primary suspect in Monday's devastating explosion near Delhi's historic Red Fort that claimed 13 lives and left numerous others injured.
The Fateful Journey Begins
Fresh surveillance footage obtained by investigators shows Umar entering the national capital through the Badarpur toll plaza at approximately 8:02 am on November 10, driving a white Hyundai i20 that would later become the vehicle of destruction near the Red Fort that evening.
According to police sources, the masked suspect was captured on camera handing cash to the toll operator while repeatedly glancing toward the CCTV camera in what appears to be a conscious attempt to monitor his surroundings. Investigators noted a large bag visible on the back seat, believed to have contained the explosives used in the subsequent blast.
A Day-Long Trail Through Delhi
Delhi Police have meticulously traced Umar's movements across the city by retrieving footage from over 50 surveillance cameras. His journey began on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, entering Delhi through the Badarpur border before weaving through multiple districts in what appears to be a deliberate attempt to avoid detection.
His extensive route covered Southeast Delhi, moved through East and Central districts, then headed northward to Ashok Vihar in the Northwest District, where he briefly stopped to eat. The footage later captures him returning to central Delhi and visiting a mosque near Asaf Ali Road before finally heading toward the Red Fort parking lot at 3:19 pm.
Police investigation reveals the white i20 remained stationary in the Sunehri Masjid parking area for nearly three hours before exiting around 6:22 pm and moving toward the Red Fort Metro Station. The vehicle exploded into a massive fireball barely thirty minutes later at 6:52 pm, shattering windows and triggering widespread panic in the heavily trafficked area.
Meticulous Planning and Wider Conspiracy
Investigators have reconstructed Umar's movements in painstaking detail, revealing what appears to be extensive preparation for the attack. Police sources indicate the suspect traveled from Haryana to Delhi via the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, making several strategic stops along the way.
He deliberately avoided main arterial roads, instead navigating through crowded lanes and smaller routes that would complicate surveillance efforts. Despite the gravity of his mission, Umar appeared calm throughout the journey, even stopping at local eateries where police believe he checked his phone and possibly received instructions.
Compounding evidence of premeditation, diaries recovered from Umar and co-accused Dr Muzammil mention dates between November 8 and 12, corresponding with the attack's planning phase. The documents reportedly list approximately 25 individuals, many hailing from Jammu and Kashmir and Faridabad, suggesting a broader conspiracy behind the deadly explosion.
Forensic confirmation came through DNA testing, which established that Dr Umar Nabi was indeed driving the Hyundai i20 at the time of detonation. His mother's DNA sample, collected on Tuesday, matched remains recovered from the blast site, providing conclusive evidence of his involvement in the tragic incident that has shaken the nation's capital.
