Key Evidence Uncovered in Red Fort Blast Probe
In a significant breakthrough in the Red Fort blast investigation, Delhi Police sources confirmed on Sunday the recovery of three cartridges from the explosion site. The recovery included two live rounds and one spent cartridge, all of 9mm calibre – ammunition typically used with firearms prohibited for civilian use in India.
A senior police official informed the ANI news agency that while these cartridges were secured, no pistol or weapon parts were discovered at the scene. This critical gap means the firearm these cartridges were designed for remains missing, adding a complex layer to the investigation.
"These cartridges are usually only possessed by the armed forces or those with special permission," police authorities stated, highlighting the serious nature of the find. Investigators are now intensely focused on determining how this ammunition reached the historic site and whether the primary suspect was in possession of it.
A New Dimension to the Investigation
The discovery of the 9mm cartridges has propelled the investigation in a new direction. Security agencies are now meticulously probing the source of the ammunition and any potential connections to established terror or criminal networks. As part of this intensified effort, officials have been scrutinizing CCTV footage and collecting comprehensive forensic evidence from the blast location.
The nation was shaken by the blast near the Red Fort complex in Delhi on November 10, a tragic event that resulted in 13 fatalities and left several others injured. A day prior to the explosion, the Delhi Police had registered a fresh FIR incorporating sections of criminal conspiracy into the ongoing probe.
Security in and around the iconic Red Fort has been substantially tightened following the incident. Authorities are maintaining a strict vigil over all entry points and the surrounding areas to prevent any further threats.
Action Against Involved Parties and Suspect Network
In a related development, the National Medical Commission (NMC) announced on Friday the immediate cancellation of the medical registration of four doctors from Jammu and Kashmir. The deregistered medical professionals are:
- Dr Muzaffar Ahmad
- Dr Adeel Ahmad Rather
- Dr Muzamil Shakeel
- Dr Shaheen Saeed
The NMC has informed all State Medical Councils of this decisive action. Dr Adeel Ahmad Rather, Dr Muzamil Shakeel, and Dr Shaheen Saeed have already been arrested by Delhi Police in connection with the blast case due to their alleged links to previous terror activities.
Investigation agencies revealed on Thursday that a network of around eight suspects was allegedly in advanced stages of planning coordinated explosions at four different locations. The plan, as reported by ANI, involved pairs of individuals assigned to specific cities, each equipped with multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs) for simultaneous attacks.
Delhi Police had earlier confirmed through forensic DNA testing that the individual who carried out the car blast near the Red Fort was Dr Umar Un Nabi, after a biological sample from his mother provided a conclusive match.
University Severs Ties, NIA Takes Over Probe
Dr Umar Nabi was employed as an assistant professor at Al-Falah University in Faridabad, Haryana. In the aftermath of the blast, the university has publicly distanced itself from both Dr Umar and Dr Muzammil. The institution issued a statement clarifying that its connection with the accused was strictly limited to their official roles and responsibilities.
The university further asserted that no questionable chemicals or materials are used or stored on its premises, seeking to dispel any speculation. Essential forensic samples, including DNA and explosive residues, have been meticulously collected from the blast site. Given the gravity of the case, the investigation has now been formally handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for a comprehensive probe.
