New Delhi: The man who was allegedly driving the car that exploded near the Red Fort, killing at least nine people, has been identified as a Pulwama-based doctor with suspected links to the Faridabad terror module, where a large cache of explosives was recently seized, Delhi Police sources said on Tuesday.
According to police sources, the accused, Umar Mohammad, a resident of Pulwama and a medical professional, was reportedly behind the wheel of the Hyundai i20 that detonated near the Red Fort Metro Station’s parking area on Monday evening.
Preliminary forensic analysis suggests that ammonium nitrate, fuel oil, and detonators were likely used in the explosion that left nine dead and 20 injured. Investigators suspect a connection between the blast and the Faridabad terror module, where 360 kg of ammonium nitrate was recovered last week.
“Final forensic reports are awaited,” a senior officer said, adding that CCTV footage shows a masked man driving the vehicle before it exploded. Multiple police teams are scanning CCTV footage from areas surrounding the Red Fort and adjoining routes.
The blast occurred around 6:52 p.m. when the car was halted at a traffic signal near the Red Fort Metro Station. The impact gutted several vehicles and shattered nearby glass structures. According to Delhi Fire Services, ten fire tenders were rushed to the spot, and the blaze was contained by 7:29 p.m.
Police sources said Umar Mohammad was associated with the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror network and was in touch with members of the Faridabad module, including several doctors who were arrested earlier. Another Pulwama resident, Tariq, who has been detained, allegedly provided the Hyundai i20 used in the attack.
Investigators suspect that Umar carried out the attack fearing imminent arrest after his associates in the module were caught.
Earlier on Monday, before the Delhi explosion, the police had arrested eight people, including three doctors, in Faridabad and seized 2,900 kg of explosive material, including ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, sulphur, and other chemicals.
Following the Red Fort blast, security has been intensified across Delhi, with strict vehicle checks at all border points. Police have also conducted overnight search operations at hotels and guest houses in Daryaganj and Paharganj, verifying registers and questioning staff in search of possible suspects.
“All units have been directed to maintain high alert at metro stations, bus terminals, and markets,” a senior officer said.
An FIR under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) has been registered, and joint teams from the Special Cell, FSL, NIA, and NSG are probing the case. Investigators are examining whether the blast was a suicide attack or part of a larger terror plot.
Local traders and witnesses shared videos showing the devastating aftermath — mangled vehicles, debris, and charred remains near the blast site.
Among the dead are Ashok Kumar (34) from Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, and Amar Kataria (35) from Delhi. The remaining victims, aged between 28 and 58 years, are yet to be identified. Twelve of the injured are from Delhi, while others hail from Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh.
A senior Delhi Police source confirmed: “All angles, including the link between the Red Fort blast and the Faridabad module, are being thoroughly investigated.”
