Umar's Possible Helpers & 10 Crucial Days Before Delhi Blast: Agencies Look For Missing Pieces | Exclusive

Last Updated:November 13, 2025, 13:16 IST

An Intel source said agencies believe Red Fort bomber Umar stayed with a small group that helped him organise the logistics between October 30 and November 10

Investigators examine the site of Monday's car blast near the historic Red Fort, in New Delhi, on November 11, 2025. (AP)

Recovery of over 2,900 kilograms of explosives, arrests of doctors that uncovered “white-collar" radicalisation, and a high-intensity blast in the national capital that killed 13 people—probe so far has led India’s investigative agencies to a pan-India terror network. However, sources have told CNN-News18 that attempts are being made to piece together several missing links of the Red Fort blast puzzle.

Intelligence sources told CNN-News18 that investigators are now focusing on the movements of Umar Nabi, a doctor identified as the bomber in the blast, during the crucial 10-day period between October 30 and November 10, as authorities work to trace how he and his associates procured explosives, vehicles, and logistical support in such a short time.

Noting that Umar’s activities in that period remain unclear, the source said: “Until October 30, the group reportedly did not have access to vehicles or key materials used in the blast. However, by November 10, they had assembled a car packed with high-grade explosives that detonated near the Red Fort. How did they get everything in 10 days?"

“Those ten days are very crucial," the source said. “We believe Umar stayed with a small group that helped him organise the logistics, but we don’t yet know who they were."

The source also said the scale of explosive material recovered from linked sites in Faridabad and other locations indicates that the group may have been planning multiple attacks or had alternative targets. “We don’t know what their intended targets were, considering the huge quantity of explosives they had accumulated," they said.

The Intel source also raised questions about possible remnants of explosive material or device components that could provide leads on sourcing.

“We have also learnt that they wanted to execute the plan in Kashmir with the help of an explosives-laden car and fuel oil. Exactly like what happened in Pulwama. But Muzammil’s arrest ruined their plans and Umar, in haste, targeted Red Fort," they said, pointing to the possibility of more targets.

Manoj Gupta

Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

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