Delhi Blast Probe: AK-47 Bought for Over ₹5 Lakh, Deep Freezer Used for Explosives; Handler Network Uncovered

New Delhi, Nov 22: Intelligence agencies investigating the November 10 suicide car blast near Delhi’s Red Fort have uncovered new details pointing to a wider transnational terror network, a multi layered chain of handlers, and preparations for multiple coordinated attacks, official sources said.

The attack killed 15 people and injured several others. The car, packed with explosives, was driven by suicide bomber Dr Umar Nabi. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has since arrested four key accused  Dr Muzammil Shakeel Ganai of Pulwama, Dr Adeel Ahmed Rather of Anantnag, Dr Shaheen Saeed of Lucknow, and Mufti Irfan Ahmad Wagay of Shopian.

AK-47 Bought for Over ₹5 Lakh; Weapon Retrieved From Locker

Investigators found that Muzammil, arrested after the recovery of 2,500 kg of ammonium nitrate in Faridabad, had purchased an AK-47 rifle for more than ₹5 lakh. The weapon was later traced to Adeel’s locker.
“This reflects the level of preparation and financing behind the module,” a senior intelligence official said.

Layered Handler Network Identified

Sources revealed that each accused reported to a different handler, indicating a deliberately compartmentalised structure.
Two key handlers, Mansoor and Hashim, were operating under a senior coordinator believed to be supervising the module.
“These handlers were working in layers,” an official said, adding that the structure complicated detection.

Turkey Link: Attempted Routing to Afghanistan Through TTP Contact

Intelligence agencies confirmed that in 2022, Muzammil, Adeel and another accused, Muzaffar Ahmad, travelled to Turkey on instructions from a TTP-linked individual named Okasa.
The trio was to be routed into Afghanistan via a local contact, but the handler pulled out after keeping them waiting for nearly a week, sources said.
Investigators found extensive Telegram communication between Muzammil and Okasa, which intensified once Muzammil asked about his handler.

Deep Freezer Used to Prepare and Stabilise Explosives

Officials said Umar had been studying bomb making videos, manuals and open-source guides. He procured chemicals from Nuh and electronic components from Bhagirath Palace and Faridabad’s NIT Market.
He also bought a deep freezer to store and stabilise the explosive mixture. “The freezer was used to process the compound,” a source said.

Money Dispute and Transfer of Explosive Laden Car

Investigators confirmed a serious altercation between Muzammil and Umar inside Al-Falah University over money. Witnesses said Umar subsequently handed over his red EcoSport, which already contained explosive material, to Muzammil.

Plan for Multiple, Simultaneous Attacks

According to intelligence agencies, the module was preparing to store explosives at several locations and carry out multi-site coordinated strikes.
“All indicators point to a wider, synchronised attack plan,” a senior official said. “The recovered material and digital evidence strongly support this assessment.”

Court Rejects Plea by Co-Accused

Separately, the Delhi High Court on Friday declined to issue directions allowing Red Fort blast co-accused Jasir Bilal Wani to meet his lawyer at the NIA headquarters. He remains in NIA custody.