Two days after a deadly explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort claimed 12 lives and injured several others, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has officially taken charge of the probe. Early leads point to a possible Turkey connection and the role of radical Telegram groups in orchestrating what investigators now believe could be a coordinated terror conspiracy.
The blast site, where a Hyundai i20 was reduced to twisted metal on Monday evening, remains sealed off under heavy security. Paramilitary forces continue to guard all major entry and exit points of the capital, while citywide checking drives have intensified.
NIA focuses on Telegram radicalisation and Turkey travel trail
According to Business Today, investigators are examining links between the suspects identified as Dr Mohammad Umar and Dr Muzammil Shakeel and two Telegram groups reportedly used for indoctrination. One of them, Farzandan-e-Darul Uloom (Deoband), and another operated by Jaish-e-Mohammad’s Pakistan-based handler Umar bin Khattab, are believed to have played a key role in the suspects’ radicalisation.
Sources told India Today that both Umar and Shakeel had travelled to Turkey shortly after joining the groups. Investigators suspect the visit was not a coincidence, as key target locations, including Faridabad and Saharanpur, were reportedly chosen after the trip.
The agencies are also investigating how handlers allegedly working from across the border created and directed the "doctors' module," so named because a number of suspects are medical professionals.
Faridabad’s Al-Falah University under scanner
Investigators have placed Al-Falah University in Faridabad under the radar after three doctors linked to the “white-collar terror module” were found connected to the institution. Established under the Haryana Private Universities Act, the university is being probed for allegedly serving as a recruitment or coordination base for individuals acting under Pakistan-backed handlers.
Mobile tower data from the Red Fort area between 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. — the period when Dr Umar was reportedly driving the Hyundai i20 involved in the blast is now being analysed to trace his calls and movements.
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Nationwide alert and tightened security
Following the blast, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has cancelled his planned visit to Gujarat to oversee ongoing security consultations. Delhi Police and NIA teams have expanded search operations across Ghazipur, Singhu, Tikri, and Badarpur borders, while agencies in Saharanpur and along the Nepal border have been put on high alert amid fears that active operatives may attempt to flee the country.
The Red Fort area remains under lockdown, with forensic experts and bomb squads continuing evidence collection. Officials said that all concerned departments have been instructed to remain on maximum alert until the source and scale of the conspiracy are fully uncovered.
