Key Suspect Detained in Red Fort Blast Investigation
In a significant development in the Red Fort blast case, intelligence agencies have detained a 49-year-old man who was seen following prime suspect Umar Nabi to a mosque just hours before the explosion. The suspect, identified as a resident of Old Delhi, was captured on CCTV footage entering the Faiz-e-Ilahi Masjid in Central Delhi immediately after Umar's visit.
The detention occurred on Saturday following intensive analysis of approximately 50 CCTV cameras that tracked Umar's movements before he parked the explosive-laden i20 car at the T5 parking area near Red Fort at 3:19 pm on November 10.
CCTV Footage Reveals Crucial Evidence
Investigators discovered compelling evidence in two separate CCTV recordings that show Umar walking toward the mosque while repeatedly turning back to look behind him. "While he is walking, he turns back anxiously... We analysed the CCTV footage and saw another person in blue attire walking behind him. He too enters the mosque after Umar," revealed a source familiar with the investigation.
The footage from Monday at 2:34 pm clearly shows Umar wearing black pants and a black shirt, walking barefoot inside the mosque premises. His 15-minute visit to the religious establishment has become a focal point of the investigation, with agencies probing whether he met someone during this time.
Joint Interrogation and Background Verification
The detained suspect is currently undergoing joint interrogation by multiple intelligence agencies. Security officials are verifying his antecedents to determine his exact purpose for being in the area at that specific time and whether he had any prior connection with Umar Nabi.
Meanwhile, investigators have questioned approximately 40 people who were present in the vicinity during the time of Umar's mosque visit. Background checks are being conducted on all individuals connected to the case.
In another crucial breakthrough, CCTV analysis confirmed that Umar was using a Samsung mobile phone during his movements. Investigators are examining a detailed list of mobile numbers active in the area, hoping to identify Umar's number and trace his communications before the blast.
The footage of Umar walking without a mask proved instrumental in his identification, as police successfully used facial recognition technology to confirm his identity. The investigation continues to unfold as agencies work to establish the complete network behind the Red Fort explosion.
