New Delhi : A first image has emerged showing the suspect driving the Hyundai i20 that later exploded near the Red Fort on Monday night, killing nine people and injuring 20 others. Umar is said to be a close associate of Adeel Ahmad Rather, a former senior resident doctor at the Government Medical College (GMC) in Anantnag who was arrested last week. Based on Rather’s inputs, authorities carried out the raid in Faridabad on Monday.
Umar was in the car and is believed to have planned the attack along with two of his associates. It was carried out in a panic following the arrests in Faridabad earlier on Monday. Together with his accomplices, Umar placed a detonator in the car and executed the terror act. Investigators have confirmed that Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil was used in the high-intensity explosion that occurred during the busy evening hours, at a time when the area, a popular tourist spot, was crowded with people.
The CCTV footage showed the car entering the parking lot at 3.19 pm and leaving at 6.48 pm, with the explosion occurring shortly afterward. Initially, the driver’s face is clearly visible, but as the car moves forward, a masked man can be seen behind the wheel. Meanwhile, another footage has emerged of the vehicle, entering and exiting the parking area. Delhi Police sources have said the suspect was alone at the time.
Intelligence sources in Jammu and Kashmir have said that the Hyundai i20 was originally owned by Mohammad Salman, arrested on Monday night, and later changed hands multiple times — first sold to Nadeem, then to a used car dealer, Royal Car Zone in Faridabad Sector 37. However, when attempts were made to contact individuals associated with the establishment, all listed mobile numbers were found to be switched off.
The sources further suggested that the events were interconnected, indicating that Umar panicked after Muzamil’s arrest and carried out the Red Fort attack, possibly as a fidayeen act. The same car was challaned for wrong parking in Faridabad on September 20. Its registration certificate is still in the name of Salman and has not been officially transferred. Investigators are currently tracing the car’s sale trail to determine whether it was still with Tariq or if he had sold it further.
Meanwhile, forensic teams will carry out DNA tests to ascertain the identity of the person who was driving the vehicle at the time of the explosion. According to sources in the Delhi Police Special Cell, the force has sought information from the Faridabad Crime Branch and Jammu & Kashmir Police regarding the explosives recovered in Faridabad. Authorities are currently searching for his accomplices, with multiple agencies interrogating Shakeel.
One additional body part was also found, making identification difficult. DNA testing and post-mortem examinations will be required to confirm the identities of the victims. Meanwhile, the Delhi Police have invoked Sections 16 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in the FIR, which pertain to acts of terrorism and their punishment. Sections 3 and 4 of the Explosive Substances Act have also been added, along with charges of murder and attempt to murder.
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