The Delhi blast, which took place on November 10, 2025, near the Red Fort, has been a subject of intense investigation. The explosion, which killed at least 13 people and injured over 20, has been officially declared a terrorist attack. Initial assessments suggest that the explosion was triggered by ammonium nitrate fuel oil (ANFO) and other explosives inside the vehicle.
A major breakthrough in the investigation came with the identification of the suspected bomber as Dr. Umar Un Nabi, a 35-year-old physician from Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir. Identifying Dr. Umar involved piecing together fragmented evidence from the blast site. Due to the severity of the explosion, the body was unrecognizable, making conventional identification methods impossible.
One of the critical pieces of evidence was a charred lower leg still inside a black shoe. This, along with other collected remains, was subjected to DNA analysis. Forensic experts matched the DNA samples recovered from the site with samples taken from Dr. Umar's mother. The DNA results confirmed that Dr. Umar was indeed the individual driving the explosives-laden car. According to officials, one of Umar's legs was found jammed between the steering wheel and the accelerator of the Hyundai i20 he was driving when it exploded.
The confirmation of Dr. Umar's identity has allowed investigators to focus on the circumstances leading up to the explosion. CCTV footage revealed that Umar visited a mosque near Ramlila Maidan in Old Delhi on the same afternoon. He spent approximately 10 minutes inside the mosque before heading towards the Red Fort. Additional CCTV footage captured him at a mobile shop in Faridabad days before the blast, appearing tense and agitated while handling two mobile phones. Notably, no mobile devices were found near his body at the blast site.
The investigation has also uncovered a "white-collar" terror module with alleged links to proscribed organizations. This module, believed to consist of doctors and other educated professionals, used encrypted apps and other "spycraft" techniques to coordinate their activities. Dr. Umar is suspected to have been a key member of this network, which had amassed a large quantity of explosives. Following raids in Faridabad where nearly 3,000 kg of explosives were recovered, Umar reportedly went into hiding, suggesting he may have panicked.
The swift action of law enforcement agencies has led to multiple arrests and the demolition of Umar's home in Pulwama. Authorities are continuing to investigate the supply chain of explosive materials, potential foreign contacts, and digital communication between Umar and other suspects. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the case and is working to determine whether Umar acted alone or had accomplices, and whether the bomb detonated prematurely due to mishandling or other factors. They are also exploring a possible plan for another attack on the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition.
