(Image source from: AFP)
The investigation into the explosion case in Delhi has uncovered a wicked scheme by a terror group connected to Jaish to execute bombings in multiple cities throughout India. According to sources, one of the suspects admitted that this plan was created in 2023, as authorities unraveled the plot related to the blast on 10/11.
At least 13 individuals lost their lives in the explosion from an i20 car close to the Red Fort, which is thought to have been an accidental detonation, while the broader plan involved a series of blasts. Dr Muzammil Shakeel, who is linked to the suicide bomber Umar Mohammad, stated during questioning by the National Investigation Agency that he had been getting ready for the bombings for two years. Throughout this time, he gathered explosives, remote controls, and other materials for making bombs, according to sources. He was assigned to buy urea and ammonium nitrate, substances that can explode when combined with other unstable materials and ignited from outside.
Muzammil also acquired 26 quintals of NPK fertilizer for three lakh rupees from Gurugram and Nuh in Haryana. Other explosive items were sourced from Nuh, while electronics were bought from two separate markets in Faridabad. The doctor even purchased a deep freezer to keep the chemicals stored safely. His accomplice, Umar, was in charge of processing the fertilizer for use in the bombs and finding the necessary chemicals and ingredients, as per the sources. A flour mill used by Muzammil to grind urea to make chemicals has also been discovered. According to sources, the funding for the Delhi blast plan came from the suspects themselves. The members of the terror group collected a total of 26 lakh rupees in cash to buy the explosive items. This amount was given to Umar, while the suicide bomber contributed two lakh rupees himself. Muzammil provided another five lakh rupees, whereas other group members, Adil Rather and Muzaffar Rather, gave eight lakh and six lakh rupees, respectively. Shaeen Saeed from Lucknow also contributed five lakh rupees.
Sources have also reported that Umar and Muzammil got into an argument about money at Al Falah University. Following this, Umar handed over his Red EcoSport car to Muzammil. The car was later found in Faridabad. Umar detonated himself during the explosion, while the other suspects are being held and questioned. They were employed at Al Falah University, which is also being investigated for possible financial misconduct. According to sources, Muzammil acknowledged that he purchased an AK-47 rifle for Rs 6.5 lakh, which was later found in Adil Rather's locker. He also revealed the names of their handlers: Mansoor was his handler and Hashim was Umar's. Both were reportedly working under a person named Ibrahim, sources indicated. Muzammil, Adil, and Muzaffar had traveled to Turkey on the orders of Okasa, who is linked to the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The intention was to go into Afghanistan, but their handler withdrew after keeping them waiting for almost a week, sources mentioned.
Authorities suspect that Okasa communicated with Muzammil via Telegram, with their correspondence stopping when Muzammil questioned him about his handler. Before purchasing the explosive materials, Umar watched videos and read materials about bomb-making online, sources stated. Investigators feel that the evidence suggests a conspiracy for multiple blasts. The suspects intended to execute simultaneous explosions at various sites, sources revealed. This conspiracy is currently under investigation, with several international connections and local groups emerging in the inquiry.
