The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested four more prime suspects in the devastating November 10 Red Fort blast case, bringing the total number of arrests to six. The new arrests include three doctors and a religious preacher, all alleged to have played crucial roles in planning and executing the terror attack that claimed 15 lives and left dozens injured.
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Latest Arrests in Red Fort Blast Investigation
On November 20, 2025, the NIA took custody of Dr Muzammil Shakeel Ganai from Pulwama (Jammu and Kashmir), Dr Adeel Ahmed Rather from Anantnag (J&K), Dr Shaheen Saeed from Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh), and Mufti Irfan Ahmad Wagay from Shopian (J&K). All four were brought from Srinagar to Delhi under tight security following production orders from the Patiala House Court.
The Patiala House Court granted 10-day NIA custody for all four suspects, allowing investigators to thoroughly question them about their roles in the terrorist conspiracy. Sources indicate that these individuals formed part of a sophisticated white-collar terror module that had been operational for several months.
Profile of the Arrested Suspects
The involvement of medical professionals in this terror plot has shocked security agencies. Dr Muzammil Shakeel Ganai and Dr Adeel Ahmed Rather both practiced medicine in Kashmir and allegedly used their professional credentials as cover for their terrorist activities. Dr Shaheen Saeed, who worked at Al Falah University in Faridabad, reportedly provided financial support and logistical assistance to the terror module.
Mufti Irfan Ahmad Wagay, a religious preacher from Shopian, is believed to have been instrumental in radicalizing other members of the group and providing ideological justification for the attack. Investigators say he maintained contact with handlers across the border and helped coordinate the timing of the operation.
The Red Fort Blast: What Happened
On November 10, 2025, at approximately 6:52 PM, a Hyundai i20 car packed with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) detonated on a busy road near Delhi’s iconic Red Fort monument. The powerful explosion created a massive fireball, destroying multiple vehicles and damaging nearby structures.
The blast occurred during peak evening hours when the area was crowded with tourists, office-goers, and local residents. The force of the explosion was so intense that it shattered windows of buildings up to 200 meters away and created a crater at the blast site. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and horror as emergency responders rushed to help the wounded.
Casualties and Impact
The official death toll stands at 15, with more than 30 people sustaining injuries ranging from minor to critical. Among the deceased were government employees, tourists, and local shopkeepers. Several victims suffered severe burn injuries and required specialized treatment at burn units across Delhi’s major hospitals.
The psychological impact on survivors and witnesses has been profound, with many requiring counseling and trauma support. The attack sent shockwaves across the nation, raising serious questions about security protocols at major landmarks and the vulnerability of soft targets to such attacks.
Investigation Timeline and Breakthroughs
Within hours of the blast, the Ministry of Home Affairs handed over the investigation to the NIA, recognizing the terror nature of the attack. The agency immediately launched a multi-state operation, coordinating with Delhi Police, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Haryana Police, and UP Police.
The first major breakthrough came on November 16 when NIA arrested Amir Rashid Ali, the owner of the car used in the blast. His interrogation led investigators to Jasir Bilal Wani (alias Danish), who provided crucial technical support to the suicide bomber. These initial arrests opened up the investigation and helped identify the wider network.
Identity of the Suicide Bomber
Investigators identified the suicide bomber as Umar Mohammed, also known as Umar un-Nabi, a resident of Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir. CCTV footage revealed that Umar entered the Red Fort parking area at 3:19 PM and remained inside his vehicle for over three hours, during which time he assembled the explosive device.
Forensic analysis and phone records show that Umar was in constant communication with his handlers throughout the day. The sophistication of the bomb-making and the precision timing of the attack indicate extensive training and support from experienced terror operatives.
The White-Collar Terror Module
One of the most disturbing aspects of this case is the involvement of highly educated professionals, leading investigators to term it a “white-collar terror module.” This network included doctors, engineers, and religious scholars who used their respectable social positions as camouflage for terrorist activities.
The module had connections spanning across multiple states and allegedly received funding and guidance from handlers based in Pakistan. They used encrypted communication apps and employed sophisticated codes – referring to explosives as “biryani” and attack plans as “dawat” (invitation) to avoid detection.
Al Falah University Connection
The Enforcement Directorate’s investigation into Al Falah University in Faridabad has revealed it was a key node in this terror network. The university allegedly generated Rs 415 crore through fraudulent means and used part of these proceeds to fund terrorist activities. Several arrested suspects had connections to this institution.
Raids at the university campus uncovered a massive cache of explosives, detonators, and bomb-making equipment. The university’s founder, Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, was arrested by the ED on money laundering charges that are now being linked to terror financing.
Originally Planned Attacks Were More Ambitious
NIA investigations have revealed that the terror module initially planned even more devastating attacks. According to sources, the group was working on developing drone-based explosive delivery systems similar to those used by Hamas and ISIS. They were attempting to modify commercial drones to carry rocket-style bombs capable of striking high-security government installations.
Interrogation of suspects has disclosed that the group had identified multiple targets across Delhi and was planning coordinated strikes on December 6, a date with historical religious significance. The Red Fort blast was apparently moved forward due to concerns about potential security alerts.
Security and Intelligence Response
The Red Fort blast has prompted a comprehensive review of security protocols at major monuments and crowded public spaces across India. Intelligence agencies are now working to identify and neutralize similar sleeper cells that may be operating in other parts of the country.
The government has enhanced surveillance at parking areas near sensitive locations and implemented stricter vehicle screening procedures. Security experts are calling for better integration of intelligence between state and central agencies to prevent such attacks.
International Cooperation
The investigation has international dimensions, with India seeking cooperation from Saudi Arabia, Maldives, and Turkey where some suspects allegedly traveled for training or coordination meetings. Interpol has been alerted about the terror network’s transnational connections.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
All six arrested suspects have been charged under multiple sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Indian Penal Code sections related to murder and attempt to murder, and the Explosive Substances Act. The prosecution is building a strong case with extensive digital evidence, CCTV footage, forensic reports, and witness testimonies.
Legal experts say the involvement of professionals with no criminal background makes this case particularly significant. If convicted, the accused could face death penalty or life imprisonment. The trial is expected to be held in a special NIA court with stringent security arrangements.
Public Reaction and Political Response
The Red Fort blast has united political parties in condemning terrorism, though there have been debates about intelligence failures and preventive security measures. The government has assured citizens that every effort is being made to bring all perpetrators and conspirators to justice.
Civil society groups have organized candlelight vigils for the victims and called for stronger counter-terrorism measures. The medical community has expressed shock at the involvement of doctors in such heinous crimes, with professional bodies initiating their own investigations.
Summary
The Red Fort blast investigation has exposed a dangerous white-collar terror network operating across multiple Indian states. The arrest of four more suspects – three doctors and a religious preacher – brings the total arrests to six and reveals the sophisticated nature of this terrorist conspiracy. The November 10 attack that killed 15 people and injured dozens was carried out using a car bomb near Delhi’s iconic Red Fort, executed by suicide bomber Umar Mohammed from Kashmir. Investigations reveal the module had planned more ambitious attacks using drone technology and had connections to Al Falah University in Faridabad, which is under ED scrutiny for money laundering and terror financing. The terror network used encrypted communications and professional cover to evade detection while planning coordinated strikes. The NIA, working with multiple state police forces and seeking international cooperation, continues to uncover the full extent of this conspiracy. This case highlights the evolving nature of terrorism in India and the challenges posed by radicalized professionals who exploit their social status to advance extremist agendas. The government has enhanced security measures at major landmarks while the legal system prepares for what promises to be a landmark terror trial.
