Red Fort blast: Dr Umar raised ₹20 lakh to fund attack, says police

New Delhi: Investigators probing the November 10 Red Fort blast have uncovered a financial trail linking Dr Umar Mohammad and his associates to the conspiracy, with Delhi Police sources confirming that nearly ₹20 lakh was raised to execute the attack.

According to police, the accused, identified as Dr Muzammil, Dr Adeel, Umar, and Shaheen, pooled funds which were later handed over to Dr Umar. The group reportedly purchased over 20 quintals of NPK fertiliser worth ₹3 lakh from Gurugram, Nuh and surrounding areas, suspected to have been used in manufacturing improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Sources also pointed to internal tensions, citing a monetary dispute between Umar and Muzammil. To coordinate logistics and targets discreetly, Umar allegedly created a private Signal group with two to four members.

Minutes before the explosion, Umar was seen visiting a mosque in Old Delhi, where he stayed for over 10 minutes. CCTV footage and local intelligence are being reviewed to determine whether he met any accomplices or received final instructions.

Forensic teams recovered a severed leg fragment near the steering wheel of the i20 car that exploded at the site. DNA analysis confirmed it belonged to Dr Umar, establishing his direct involvement.

The blast occurred at 6.52 p.m. near the historic Red Fort, triggering widespread alarm and heightened security across the capital. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has since taken over the probe, sealing off the area and conducting forensic analysis of debris, explosive traces, and digital evidence.

(Inputs from IANS)