New Delhi [India], November 18 (HBTV): The death toll in the Delhi car blast case has risen to 15 after two more victims succumbed to their injuries, officials confirmed on Monday.
According to Delhi Police, the total number of deceased now stands at 15, including three partial body parts. One victim died on Sunday, while another, identified as Vinay Pathak, passed away on Monday.
Investigators probing the terror module allegedly linked to Dr Umar Un Nabi — identified by security agencies as the individual who drove the explosive-laden car that ignited near the Red Fort on November 10 — have uncovered indications of an organised internal structure, encrypted communication channels, and coordinated movement of weapons, official sources said.
According to sources, Umar created a Signal group around three months ago using a name containing special characters. He added Muzammil, Adeel, Muzaffar and Irfan to the encrypted platform, which investigators believe was used for internal coordination.
A major lead emerged after a weapon consignment, including a Krinkov rifle and a pistol, was recovered from the car of Dr Shaheen, a key suspect. The probe suggests that Umar procured the weapons and handed them over to Irfan in 2024.
Sources said Dr Shaheen had previously seen the same weapons during a visit to Mufti Irfan's room along with Dr Muzammil. She is also suspected of making the highest financial contribution to the group's activities.
The investigation indicates a clear division of roles. Financial support for the module was primarily the responsibility of three doctors, particularly Muzammil. Recruitment of Kashmiri youths was assigned to Irfan, who allegedly brought in Arif Nisar Dar, also known as Sahil, and Yasir ul Ashraf, both of whom have been arrested.
Sources said the probe has documented multiple instances of weapon-related activity. In October 2023, Dr Adeel and Dr Umar visited Irfan at Masjid Ali carrying a rifle in a bag and left after cleaning the barrel. In November 2023, Adeel again went to Irfan's residence with a rifle. Later, Dr Muzammil and Dr Shaheen Shahid joined them. The group left the weapon with Irfan, and investigators said Adeel returned the next day to collect it.
Officials said the findings suggest a coordinated network involving financing, recruitment and the systematic movement of weapons, operating through encrypted platforms and trusted personal links.
Delhi Police confirmed that the man who carried out the car blast near Red Fort was Dr Umar Un Nabi, after forensic DNA testing matched his biological sample with that of his mother.
Meanwhile, Al-Falah University has distanced itself from Dr Umar and Dr Muzammil, stating that the institution has no connection with the accused beyond their official capacities and that no questionable chemicals or materials are used or stored on campus.
On November 10, the blast near the Red Fort complex in the national capital killed 12 people and injured several others.
(ANI)