Indian security agencies have detained multiple suspects in Kashmir as part of an investigation into a deadly car explosion in New Delhi. The blast occurred on Monday near the Red Fort monument. If confirmed as a deliberate attack, it would be the deadliest blast in India's capital since 2011.
At least five people were detained for questioning during overnight raids in Kashmir's southern Pulwama district, according to police officials on Wednesday. The Red Fort car explosion was preceded by a 20-day-long probe by the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) police to find a “terror module” linked to two terror outfits — Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AguH).
The Hyundai i20 car used in the blast near Delhi's Red Fort metro station parking was allegedly driven by Mohammad Umar, a Kashmiri doctor suspected to be behind the deadly explosion. The explosion killed 13 people and left several others injured. CCTV footage shows a masked man in the vehicle. Umar, who is absconding, is believed to be associated with the Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group.
A J&K Police source said that a woman identified as Shaheen Saeed (40) has also been arrested, making her the eighth accused in the “terror module” case. At least 20 others were being questioned in the Valley. According to a government source, her car was used to ferry explosives.
The Delhi blast occurred hours after the discovery of 2,900 kg explosive substances and weapons in Faridabad. Those arrested include Kashmiri doctors associated with Al-Falah University in Faridabad -- Muzammil Ganaie from Pulwama; Adeel Ahmad Rather, originally from Qazigund but arrested in Saharanpur; and Dr Shaheen Sayeed from Lucknow, reportedly Muzammil's girlfriend.
Initial investigation suggests a doctor from Pulwama was likely the sole occupant of the vehicle that exploded. The bomb explosion was “premature” as the person was said to be acting in haste due to pressure of police raids that had already led to the arrest of two colleagues.
The investigation has been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
