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NEW DELHI: Dr Umar Nabi who was driving the explosives-laden car that blew up near the Red Fort had planned a powerful blast timed around the Babri Masjid demolition anniversary on December 6, officials said on Wednesday.The details of the plan have been pieced together after interrogation of the eight people arrested for their alleged links to the interstate ‘white collar’ Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror module centred in Faridabad and conversations with their family, friends and neighbours, the officials said.Phase 1: The Planning Abroad (2022)
- Umar Un Nabi and three associates, linked with Jaish-e-Muhammed and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, traveled to Turkiye in 2022.
- They met a handler codenamed “Ukasa” in Ankara; Umar stayed for two weeks.
- Initial communications began on Telegram, later moving to Signal and Session apps.
- Their terror plot, including vehicle-borne IED attacks, was hatched during this period.
Phase 2: Pre-attack Reconnaissance (2023–2025)
- Umar and his aide Muzammil, both doctors at Al-Falah University, conducted multiple recces of the Red Fort in January 2025.
- They studied the security layout and movement patterns around monuments.
- Their plans extended to future dates, including Republic Day 2026, showing long-term intent.
- After returning from Turkiye, they became more aggressive, recruiting like-minded individuals.
Phase 3: Vehicle & Explosives Procurement
- The module procured three cars for the attack: a Hyundai i20, a red Ford Ecosport, and a Maruti Brezza.
- Over 350kg of explosive material, enough for 50+ IEDs, was collected since 2022.
- They planned attacks not only in Delhi but also in Ayodhya, targeting the saffron flag hoisting on Nov 25.
- The explosive mixture reportedly included ammonium nitrate and RDX.
Phase 4: The Red Fort Attack (Nov 10, 2025)
- Umar detonated the IED in the i20 car near the Red Fort after a 16-hour police chase.
- Authorities issued a BOLO notice for the remaining vehicles.
- The red Ecosport was later found in Faridabad; the Brezza remains untraced.
- This phase marked the first actionable strike of the module.
Investigation & Arrests
- Interrogation of Muzammil, already arrested in a Faridabad explosives case, is central to the probe.
- The investigation revealed the group’s long-term strategy and connections abroad.
- Security agencies confirmed Umar acted under instructions from his Turkiye-based handler.
- Authorities continue to track other members and materials linked to the planned attacks.
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