The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday (20) announced the arrest of four more prime accused in the November 10 Delhi blast, an attack that killed at least 15 people and injured several others. With these latest arrests, the total number of people taken into custody in the case has risen to six.
In its statement, the NIA said all four individuals arrested on Thursday (20) played crucial roles in the execution of the terror attack. The suspects, three of whom are medical professionals and one a religious preacher, were taken into NIA custody following a directive from the District Sessions Judge at Patiala House Court in New Delhi. They were subsequently transferred to Srinagar for further interrogation.
Who are the accused?
The four newly arrested suspects have been identified as:
The arrests add to the two suspected operatives already detained earlier in the investigation, Amir Rashid Ali and Jasir Bilal Wani, also known as Danish.
Ali first came under the scanner when investigators discovered that the explosives-laden Hyundai i-20 that detonated near the Red Fort had been purchased in his name by Dr Umar-un-Nabi, who was behind the wheel during the explosion. Meanwhile, Wani was arrested after evidence surfaced indicating that Nabi had attempted to persuade him to carry out a suicide attack.
Although Wani reportedly refused, he is alleged to have agreed to work as an overground operative for the banned terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed.
Links to a bigger network
According to officials, the arrests form part of a broader crackdown on what is being described as a 'white collar' terror module. This network was uncovered through joint operations conducted by police forces in Jammu & Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana.
The investigation gained momentum after a breakthrough at Al Falah University in Faridabad, where authorities discovered 2,900 kilograms of explosives, pointing to a larger conspiracy involving educated individuals in logistical and operational roles.
Earlier this week, a special NIA court in Patiala House extended the custody of Jasir Bilal Wani by 10 days. Principal District and Sessions Anju Bajaj Chandana issued the order following a closed-door hearing.
Investigation continues
The NIA officially took over the case on November 11 and has been probing multiple angles, including potential cross-border involvement and links to banned terror organizations. Officials say the investigation is far from over, with several leads still under scrutiny as the agency works to reconstruct the planning, financing, and execution of the Red Fort blast.
The terror attack, which struck one of India’s most iconic landmarks, has triggered extensive security reviews across the national capital. Investigators continue to interrogate the suspects as they attempt to uncover the full scope of the conspiracy and identify any remaining operatives.
