In a significant development in the Red Fort explosion case, investigators have uncovered crucial details about the vehicle used in the incident. The Hyundai i20 that exploded near the historic monument was purchased for Rs 2 lakh in cash from a local car dealer in Faridabad just days before the incident, according to police sources.
The Car Purchase Chain
The investigation has traced the complete ownership history of the vehicle. Car dealer Devender Kumar revealed he originally purchased the vehicle for Rs 1.5 lakh from Spinny in March this year. After conducting repairs on the car, which was reportedly not in optimal condition, Kumar listed it for sale on OLX platform.
Kumar collaborated with Royal Car Zone, another second-hand car dealership in Faridabad, to facilitate the sale. On October 28, two individuals identified as Amir Rasheed from Pulwama and Umar Nabi visited the Royal Car Zone showroom after seeing the advertisement on OLX.
Transaction Details and Evidence
According to Royal Car Zone owner Amit Patel, the suspects took the car for a test drive on October 28 and returned the following day to complete the purchase. The entire transaction of Rs 2 lakh was conducted in cash, a detail that has raised eyebrows in the investigation.
Critical evidence emerged from CCTV footage obtained from a nearby petrol pump where Amir and Umar had taken the i20 for a pollution check on October 29. The footage, which has been widely circulated in media circles, shows three individuals at the petrol pump, including an employee from Royal Car Zone who assisted them with the pollution certification.
Investigation Progress and Current Status
Delhi Police visited both car dealers on November 11 and recorded their detailed statements as part of the ongoing probe. In a crucial breakthrough, Jammu and Kashmir Police have taken Amir Rasheed into custody for questioning regarding his involvement in the case.
During interrogation, Amir has claimed that he was unaware of Umar Nabi's plans, a statement that investigating agencies are currently verifying. The probe has further revealed that the car was originally owned by one Salman from Okhla, who sold it to Spinny approximately one-and-a-half years ago before it changed multiple hands eventually reaching the suspects.
The cash transaction, coupled with the timing of the purchase just days before the explosion, has become a focal point of the investigation as authorities work to unravel the complete conspiracy behind the Red Fort blast incident.
