New CCTV Footage Reveals Bomber’s Movements Before Red Fort Blast
In the ongoing investigation into the deadly Red Fort Blast, new CCTV footage has emerged that provides new information about the last movements of Dr. Umar un Nabi, the man suspected of carrying out the high-intensity explosion that killed 12 people. Minutes before he traveled towards the Red Fort and set off the explosion, the new footage shows him close to a mosque that is well-known for its Tablighi Jamaat activities.
Officials claim that these images have grown to be an important component of the investigation, assisting investigators in reassembling the bomber’s path, state of mind, and potential connections prior to the assault.
Red Fort Blast: Bomber Seen Entering Tablighi Jamaat–Linked Mosque
The newly accessed CCTV footage shows Dr Umar entering and exiting the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque, located near Ramlila Maidan, opposite Turkman Gate in Old Delhi. Investigators revealed that he stayed inside the mosque for more than ten minutes before leaving the premises.
The footage captures him walking calmly along Asaf Ali Road, showing no signs of disturbance or panic. It is thought that this video was taken just before 2:30 PM on Monday, which is when he started to head for the Red Fort.
Officials think he may have purposefully stopped at the mosque to pray or reflect as he got ready for what investigators characterize as a “suicidal and desperate” act.
The Red Fort Blast and Its Immediate Aftermath
Hours after he was spotted near the mosque, Dr Umar allegedly detonated his Hyundai i20 near the Red Fort, one of India’s busiest and most iconic tourist destinations. The Red Fort blast was powerful enough to tear the vehicle apart, instantly killing 12 people and causing chaos in the area.
Investigators now suspect that the attack was carried out in haste. Earlier that same day, several members of a Jaish-e-Mohammad–linked Faridabad terror module, believed to be Umar’s accomplices, had been arrested. The sudden arrests may have pushed him to execute the plan earlier than intended.
According to sources, the attack had the hallmarks of a hastily planned operation, lacking the intricacy of previous terror schemes but still having the capacity to cause destruction because of its high explosive load.
Red Fort Blast: Mosque Linked to Tablighi Jamaat Activities
The Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque, where Umar was last spotted, is well-known for its connections to Tablighi Jamaat activities, particularly after the group broke away from the original Nizamuddin Markaz, according to officials.
Within the Deobandi tradition, Tablighi Jamaat is a transnational Islamic missionary organization. Investigators are charting every relationship and interaction Umar might have had on the day of the explosion, even though it is not directly linked to terrorist activities.
There is currently no proof that the mosque was involved in the red fort blast. This is being treated by investigators as a component of Umar’s daily movement pattern.
Red Fort Blast: DNA Test Confirms Bomber’s Identity
The explosion was so strong that Dr. Umar’s body was completely destroyed. Because of the blast’s intensity, early attempts to identify the remains were unsuccessful.
But when investigators used samples taken from his family in Pulwama, Kashmir, to perform a DNA test, they made a breakthrough. The findings verified that Dr. Umar was, in fact, operating the vehicle when the explosion occurred.
According to officials, he is the “most radicalized” member of the Faridabad module. He is said to be highly ideological, professionally trained, and well-educated.
Second Car Under Investigation: Red Fort Blast
Separately, investigators are closely examining Umar’s second car, a red Ford Blast. The vehicle was located in a village in Haryana and is currently suspected that it had been used for transporting ammonium nitrate – a chemical commonly used in improvised explosive devices.
Because there may still be explosives in the car, the National Security Guard (NSG) and other central agencies have cordoned off the area, limiting public movement.
All standard operating procedures are being followed, according to officials. Until NSG experts verify that the car is no longer a danger, it won’t be cleared.
Tracing Umar’s Escape Route Before The Red Fort Blast
Security forces have reconstructed the path Umar is thought to have taken after escaping from Faridabad as the investigation continues. Based on the most recent findings:
- On his way to Firozpur Jhirka, Umar passed through Mewat.
- He then headed in the direction of the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway.
- According to reports, he slept inside his car at a roadside dhaba.
- The next morning, he crossed the Badarpur border back into Delhi.
Multiple sightings of the bomber have been recorded by CCTV cameras along the expressway, which has assisted authorities in verifying his movements in the hours preceding the attack.
According to investigators, this path implies that Umar was trying to avoid security monitoring, perhaps anticipating the “perfect opportunity” to carry out the assault.
Investigators Examine Possible Motive and Radicalisation
The medical background of Dr. Umar un Nabi has garnered a lot of attention. His shift from a physician to a suspected suicide bomber, according to officials, demonstrates the extent of his ideological radicalization.
According to sources, Umar might have been swayed by radical elements from the Faridabad module, underground networks, and internet propaganda. Additionally, agencies are investigating if he communicated with handlers outside of India.
It is believed that his readiness to carry out an explosive attack just hours after his colleagues were taken into custody is an indication of severe desperation and brainwashing.
A Case Raising Security Concerns Across Delhi
The Red Fort blast has once again brought attention to how vulnerable Delhi’s main public areas and tourist destinations are. Investigators are currently examining security procedures in the capital’s busy marketplaces, heritage sites, and high-traffic areas.
Despite the terrible death toll, officials maintain that the quick identification of the bomber and reassurance of his movements represents a significant investigative achievement. Now, agencies are concentrating on identifying:
- The entire scope of Umar’s network of supporters
- Where the explosives came from
- Any links from outside
- The Faridabad module’s function
- Possible future threats associated with the network
The NSG, central agencies, and Delhi Police are still keeping an eye on the case’s related areas.
