New CCTV Footage Shows Red Fort Blast Suspect Dr. Umar Nabi Walking Calmly With Bag, Two Phone

Investigators probing the Red Fort blast are examining new CCTV footage that reveals the movements of Dr. Umar Nabi, the prime suspect in Monday night’s deadly explosion. The blast, caused by an explosive-laden Hyundai i20, killed 13 people and injured several others near the Red Fort. Umar was identified through DNA samples matched with his mother.

A recently surfaced CCTV clip from a market in Faridabad shows Umar walking unbothered, carrying a bag and holding two mobile phones. In the video, he hands one of the phones to a shopkeeper to check whether it is charging. Investigators are now attempting to trace both devices and their usage patterns.

Forensic reports suggest that the explosion may have been triggered accidentally by Umar or due to a timer malfunction inside the vehicle. His movement data across the NCR indicates that he drove around aimlessly for over 13 hours, displaying increasingly erratic behaviour. He visited a mosque without offering prayers and sat at a tea stall for about 20 minutes without ordering anything. Officials believe he was alone throughout the day and under “immense pressure”.

Sources also revealed deeper links within the terror module. Dr. Muzammil, who reportedly met Molvi Irfan Ahmed two years ago, is believed to have undergone radicalisation during this period. Muzammil was close to Umar, both hailing from the same village in Pulwama and working at the Al Falah School of Medical Sciences in Faridabad. Another accused, Dr. Adeel Rather—arrested in Saharanpur—was associated with Dr. Shaheen, who also worked at the institute and allegedly provided financial support to the group.

Investigators say the accused claimed they were unaware that the Red Fort would be targeted. They allegedly purchased fertilisers from Nuh and Mewat to extract ammonium nitrate and potash for making explosives. These materials were transported using vehicles such as an i20 and a red EcoSport. Security teams have searched the Al Falah campus to determine whether laboratory facilities were used to assemble explosive components. Several members of the terror network are in custody, while others remain absconding.

Meanwhile, security forces demolished Umar’s house in Pulwama during the intervening night of Thursday and Friday. Once known as an academically promising professional, officials say Umar’s radicalisation deepened over the past two years through extremist messaging groups online.