Blast probe tightens: NIA nabs aide of Red Fort Metro bomber as investigators widen the net

 

Arrest and case status

The NIA identified and arrested Amir Rashid Ali of Pampore, Pulwama, describing the move as a major breakthrough in the November 10 blast near Red Fort Metro. Ali allegedly travelled to Delhi to facilitate the purchase and registration of the Hyundai i20 used in the attack, and was earlier in J&K Police custody. NIA’s preliminary findings indicate the blast was a suicide bombing using a vehicle-borne IED driven by Dr. Umar (Umar Un Nabi), with Ali aiding in vehicle procurement, strengthening the conspiracy trail between Kashmir and Delhi

 

Key highlights and takeaways

Arrested aide identified: Amir Rashid Ali, registered owner of the i20, alleged facilitator of procurement and logistics for the VBIED.

 

Suicide VBIED confirmation: NIA states the car-borne IED was driven by Dr. Umar, categorizing the incident as a suicide attack.

 

Casualty reports: Media reports cite fatalities and injuries at the scene, reflecting the blast’s high intensity and multi-vehicle damage.

 

Custodial chain: Ali was first held by J&K Police; NIA effected formal arrest as part of the federal terror investigation.

 

Kashmir–Delhi link: Probe points to planning and facilitation across states, including travel and procurement coordination.

 

Evidence focus: Vehicle registration, payment channels, and communications form the core of the forensic trail.

 

Active probe directions

Investigators are widening scrutiny to suppliers, financiers, and potential handlers tied to the vehicle and materials sourcing. Expected lines of inquiry include insurance and shipping cover, digital payments, IMEI/device metadata, and CCTV-led movement mapping around the metro precincts and approach roads.

 

What to watch next

Network mapping: Identification of co-conspirators and facilitators beyond the arrested aide.

 

Forensic confirmations: Chemical signatures and blast forensics to refine IED composition and assembly sites.

 

Operational safeguards: Metro and city security protocol updates and advisories following VBIED confirmation.

 

Legal trajectory: Custody extensions, remand applications, and charges under UAPA and allied IPC sections.

 

Sources: Scroll; NewsX; OneIndia; India Today; CNN-News18; The Indian Express