New Delhi : The investigation into the shocking car blast near Delhi’s historic Red Fort has taken a significant turn, with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arresting two individuals from Uttarakhand’s Haldwani. The arrests mark a crucial development in a case that has gripped the nation since the explosion occurred near the Red Fort Metro Station on November 10. The blast, which involved an explosive‑laden car, resulted in multiple casualties and raised urgent questions about security vulnerabilities in one of India’s most sensitive zones.
According to reports, the NIA detained Mohammad Asif, an imam at the Bilali Mosque in Haldwani, and Nazar Kamal, an electrician from the same locality. Their arrests came after investigators traced a mobile number linked to Dr. Umar Nabi, the alleged mastermind and the man believed to have driven the explosive‑laden vehicle on the day of the attack. The mobile number reportedly led the agency to Haldwani, prompting a coordinated operation involving both Delhi and Uttarakhand police units.
A Breakthrough After Weeks of Investigation
The Red Fort blast triggered one of the most extensive counter‑terror investigations in recent years. The NIA, already probing a suspected terror module involving professionals, including doctors, had been tracking leads across multiple states. Dr. Umar Nabi, identified as the key figure in the conspiracy, had been on the run since the day of the explosion. Investigators believe he was part of a “white‑collar” network that used professional cover to mask extremist activities.
The arrests of Asif and Kamal represent the sixth and seventh detentions in the case so far. Both men were taken into custody late on November 28 after a swift operation in Haldwani’s Banbhulpura area. Following the arrests, a heavy police presence was deployed around the Bilali Mosque and surrounding neighborhoods, underscoring the seriousness of the investigation and the potential for further leads emerging from the region.
How Investigators Connected the Dots
The breakthrough reportedly came from the analysis of call detail records (CDRs). A mobile number linked to Umar Nabi showed activity in Haldwani, prompting investigators to dig deeper. The NIA believes that Asif and Kamal were in communication with Nabi and may have provided him with shelter, logistical support, or other forms of assistance.
While the exact nature of their involvement is still under investigation, officials have indicated that the duo’s arrest is based on concrete evidence gathered over several days. Their interrogation is expected to shed more light on the broader network that may have facilitated the blast.
Security Tightened in Haldwani After Arrests
The arrests triggered a large‑scale security operation in Haldwani. Police teams from multiple stations, led by senior officers including the Haldwani City Superintendent of Police and the Lal Kuan Deputy Superintendent of Police, conducted searches and maintained strict vigil in the area. The Bilali Mosque, where Asif served as imam, became a focal point of the operation, with officers ensuring that no untoward incident occurred during or after the arrests.
Residents reported heightened police activity, with checkpoints, patrols, and verification drives being carried out across Banbhulpura. Authorities emphasized that these measures were precautionary and aimed at maintaining peace while the investigation continued.
The Larger Terror Module Under Scrutiny
The Red Fort blast is believed to be part of a larger terror conspiracy involving a network of individuals spread across different states. Earlier arrests in the case had already revealed the involvement of several associates linked to Umar Nabi. The NIA has been conducting searches in Delhi, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and other regions to identify additional suspects.
Investigators suspect that the module operated with a high degree of planning and coordination. The use of a Hyundai i20 car loaded with explosives, driven into a crowded area near a major heritage site, indicates a deliberate attempt to cause mass casualties and widespread panic. The blast resulted in multiple deaths and injuries, making it one of the most serious terror incidents in the capital in recent years.
Political and Public Reactions
The blast and subsequent arrests have sparked strong reactions across the political spectrum. Leaders have called for enhanced security measures around key landmarks and stricter monitoring of terror networks. Public sentiment has also been marked by concern, especially given the symbolic significance of the Red Fort, which serves as a national icon and a site of major public events.
Security experts have emphasized the need for improved intelligence coordination and technological upgrades in surveillance systems. The fact that investigators were able to trace suspects through mobile data highlights the importance of digital forensics in modern counter‑terror operations.
What Comes Next in the Investigation
With Asif and Kamal now in custody, the NIA is expected to intensify its interrogation efforts to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy. Their statements may help identify additional safe houses, financial channels, or accomplices involved in planning or executing the attack.
The agency is also working to track down Umar Nabi, who remains a key figure in the investigation. His capture is considered essential to understanding the motivations behind the blast and the structure of the network he allegedly led.
A Case That Continues to Unfold
The Red Fort car blast case remains a dynamic and evolving investigation. Each arrest brings new insights into the network behind the attack, but also raises further questions about how such a plot was conceived and executed. As the NIA continues its work, the nation watches closely, hoping for swift justice and stronger safeguards against future threats.
