New Delhi: The Union home ministry on Tuesday handed over the investigation into Monday’s car blast near Delhi’s Red Fort to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), further boosting speculation that it was a terrorist attack.
In Pulwama, family members of Dr Umar Nabi — who is suspected to have been driving the Hyundai i20 car that exploded — said the news had left them devastated and bewildered.
“He was an introvert since childhood, focused on his studies and work, and never had many friends,” Muzamil, his sister-in-law, told PTI.
Umar had called home last Friday to say he was busy with examinations and would return in three days.
“We struggled a lot for his education so he could take care of himself and the family. This is unbelievable,” Muzamil said, recalling that Umar had last visited Kashmir only two months ago.
Multiple news agencies have reported and The Telegraph Online’s sources in the Delhi police have also said that initial forensic reports indicated the use of ammonium nitrate, fuel oil, and detonators — substances linked to over 2,900 kg of explosives and inflammables seized on Monday in Faridabad.
Authorities have registered an FIR under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Explosives Act for conspiracy and execution of a terror attack, but full forensic reports are awaited.
With the NIA taking charge, the probe’s focus now shifts to linking the car used in the explosion to the wider terror module.
Local police, under guidance from central agencies, continue to gather evidence and await the final forensic reports that could shed light on the motive and mechanics of the attack.
The city remains anxious, still grappling with disbelief and grief over the tragedy and fearing further disruption to daily life and business as the investigation proceeds.
The terrorist-attack theory has gained further credence with Prime MInister Narendra Modi vowing from Bhutan – where he is visiting – that “all those responsible” for the “conspiracy” behind the blast will be brought to justice.
PTI/Agencies
NIA takes over case
