The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has ruled out the possibility that the bomb used in last year's Red Fort terror attack exploded accidentally, saying the device was deliberately activated by Umar Un Nabi.
According to the agency's chargesheet, a mechanism linked to a shoe recovered from the blast site indicates that Nabi used a command system to initiate the explosion inside the Hyundai i20, Hindustan Times reported. The finding addresses earlier uncertainty over whether the blast may have occurred after Nabi panicked.
12 people, including Nabi, were killed in the attack, while 29 others were injured and 24 vehicles were damaged. The NIA has filed a chargesheet against 10 accused persons in the case.
NIA says blast was deliberately triggered
The agency's forensic investigation concluded that a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device was used in the attack. A shoe recovered from the site had a metal component attached to its heel, which investigators linked to the command mechanism.
The chargesheet also cites forensic evidence from Nabi's remains, which tested positive for explosive substances. The agency said this established that he was inside the vehicle when the explosion occurred and that he initiated the device.
NIA alleges that co-accused Jasir Bilal Wani, described as an explosives expert, developed the device and subsequently provided the triggering component to Nabi.
Why the Red Fort was chosen
The investigation also points to repeated visits to the Red Fort area by Nabi and other accused persons.
According to the chargesheet, Nabi visited the area 12 times between December 2023 and May 2025, either alone or with other accused. Investigators also found that electronic items linked to the alleged plot were purchased from the area.
The NIA said the accused viewed the Red Fort as a symbol of the Indian state. It also cited handwritten material recovered from Nabi's premises at Al-Falah University.
“..the accused considered the Red Fort to be symbolic of the Indian state and handwritten notes seized from Nabi’s premises at Al-Falah University clearly mentioned that the AGuH members were against democracy and wanted the imposition of Shariat laws in India. Therefore, causing the blast near Red Fort, besides being a terrorist act, also amounts to waging war against the State. With this view, they had visited the adjoining areas of the Red Fort several times,” the chargesheet added, HT reported.
NIA details alleged financing network
The agency has also described an alleged financial network supporting the group, which it identifies as ‘AGuH Interim’.
According to the charge sheet, Dr Shaheed Saeed provided Rs 16 lakh in cash through Dr Adeel Ahmed Rather, with part of the money allegedly used for arms, ammunition and other materials.
“Shakeel was well aware of the fact that Saeed had worked in the Middle East as a medical professional and had a sound financial condition. To exploit her financially, he developed a close relationship with her and later married her in 2023. Over the next few months, he gradually radicalised her religious views and motivated her to join AGuH Interim to fulfil the objectives of re-organising the AGuH. During his period, he introduced her to other group members including Nabi, Dr Adeel Ahmed Rather and Wagay,” said the chargesheet.
The NIA said investigators recovered documents and digital material from the accused. These included material titled ‘How to become an assassin-the preparation’ and the ‘Lone Mujahid Pocket Book’, which the agency said contained instructions related to combat, weapons and clandestine activities.