Delhi Blast Suspects Allegedly Surveyed Red Fort Ahead of Republic Day Attack
Investigators suspect arrested terror module members conducted multiple reconnaissance visits to the iconic monument in January, potentially planning a strike on January 26.
New Delhi: Police investigating the recent white-collar terror module have uncovered evidence suggesting that one of the key suspects had repeatedly visited the Red Fort area in January, possibly to plan an attack on Republic Day.
Dr Muzammil Ganaie, one of the main suspects arrested in connection with the case, conducted several reconnaissance trips to the historic monument during the first week of January this year, according to officers analyzing his mobile phone data.
A senior police official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed that data retrieved from Dr Muzammil’s phone shows his presence around the Red Fort area on multiple occasions. “These visits appear to be part of detailed planning for an attack on January 26,” the officer stated.
The suspected attack may have been prevented due to heavy security deployment and increased patrolling around the monument during the Republic Day period, investigators believe.
According to police sources, Dr Muzammil, along with his associate Dr Umar Nabi, visited the Red Fort several times to assess security arrangements and study crowd movement patterns. Their movements have been confirmed through mobile tower location records and CCTV footage from the surrounding areas.
Investigators are now examining Dr Muzammil’s communications and digital records to trace the funding sources for the terror module’s operations and identify where the explosives used in the blast were obtained. They are also checking whether other suspects were involved in similar reconnaissance activities or provided logistical assistance.
Police have collected extensive mobile location data, particularly tracking Dr Umar’s movements near the Red Fort, to determine if he was in contact with anyone shortly before the explosion occurred.
On Monday evening, a powerful blast from a slow-moving vehicle struck near the Red Fort metro station, claiming the lives of 12 people and injuring several others.
The investigation has now been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for further inquiry.
