What Led Investigative Agencies to Search for a Brezza Car After the Delhi Blast?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Investigative agencies are searching for a Maruti Brezza linked to the blast.
- The blast occurred near the Red Fort on November 10.
- Authorities are examining the use of multiple vehicles by a terror module.
- DNA tests confirmed the identity of Dr Umar Mohammad.
- The NIA is leading the investigation following the incident.
New Delhi, Nov 13 (NationPress) Following the explosion near the Red Fort, investigative agencies are actively seeking another vehicle, a Maruti Brezza. Authorities are also investigating the rationale behind the terror module's use of multiple vehicles.
An i20 car detonated near the Red Fort, while an Eco Sport belonging to Dr Umar Mohammad was reported missing and subsequently located in Faridabad. The search now focuses on the third vehicle, the Brezza.
Sources indicate that the module had plotted multiple car bombings, but their schemes were thwarted before they could carry out additional attacks.
Meanwhile, new CCTV footage has surfaced, revealing Dr Umar Mohammad driving the i20 in Connaught Place, central Delhi, nearly five hours prior to arriving at the Red Fort area, where the explosion occurred.
As per police sources, Umar was seen operating the vehicle loaded with explosives at around 2:05 p.m. at Connaught Place’s Outer Circle, before heading towards Mayur Vihar and eventually the Red Fort.
According to Delhi Police, DNA test results have definitively confirmed Umar’s identity. His DNA samples matched entirely with those of his mother and brother, confirming his presence in the vehicle at the time of the explosion. The DNA was retrieved from bone fragments, teeth, and pieces of clothing found within the wreckage.
The powerful explosion transpired around 6:52 p.m. on November 10, sending tremors throughout the national capital and triggering swift security measures. The explosion occurred near one of India’s most renowned landmarks, raising grave concerns about the security lapses in the high-security area surrounding the Red Fort.
In the aftermath, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officially assumed control of the investigation from the Delhi Police Special Cell. NIA officials have cordoned off the blast site and are conducting comprehensive forensic analyses of the debris, including explosive remnants, vehicle parts, and digital evidence, to uncover the entire network behind the attack.
On Wednesday, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and mandated that the incident be investigated with "utmost urgency" to swiftly identify and bring all "perpetrators" and "sponsors" to justice.
The Cabinet observed two minutes of silence in memory of innocent lives lost and characterized the November 10 event as "a heinous terror incident, executed by anti-national forces".