Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Nov 13: In a significant breakthrough in the Red Fort car blast case, forensic DNA tests have confirmed that the prime suspect, Dr Umar Nabi, was present inside the vehicle at the time of the explosion, sources in the investigation told CNN-News18.
According to officials, Umar’s DNA matched with samples collected from his mother, confirming that he carried out the suicide blast that killed 12 people near Metro Gate No. 1 at Chandni Chowk on Monday evening. The findings have also established a direct link between Haryana’s Al-Falah University, where Umar was employed, and the Red Fort explosion.
Forensic experts said that the match was established after comparing bones and teeth fragments recovered from the charred remains of the Hyundai i20 with DNA samples taken from Umar’s family in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir.
Sources quoted by ANI stated that Umar’s leg was found trapped between the accelerator and the steering wheel after the explosion, indicating he was in the driver’s seat at the time of the blast. Before the attack, Umar had reportedly stayed at a mosque on Asaf Ali Road near Ramlila Maidan. CCTV footage shows him parking the i20 at the Sunehri Masjid parking lot around 3:19 p.m., minutes before the explosion.
Investigating agencies are now analysing his mobile phone data and signal history to trace possible handlers or accomplices.
Dr Umar Nabi, a resident of Koil village in Pulwama, worked as a faculty member at a college in Faridabad. His mother, Shameema Begum, was brought in for DNA testing on Tuesday, accompanied by her two sons. Police have also detained three individuals linked to the sale and purchase of the i20 car used in the blast for questioning.
Meanwhile, family members back in Kashmir expressed disbelief over the revelation. “He was a quiet, introverted person who always focused on his studies and work. It is hard to believe he could be involved in any terror activity,” said his sister-in-law, Muzamil, adding that Umar had last visited home two months ago.
The Delhi Police, along with the National Investigation Agency (NIA), continues to probe possible links to terror outfits and whether Umar acted alone or as part of a larger network.