Was the Delhi blast vehicle purchased from a second-hand dealer in Faridabad?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Hyundai i20 involved in the blast was purchased from a second-hand dealer.
- Heightened security measures are in effect across major cities.
- Authorities are investigating connections to terror organizations.
- CCTV footage is being analyzed for key insights.
- Two doctors from Jammu and Kashmir have been arrested in connection with the case.
New Delhi, Nov 11 (NationPress) As investigations proceed regarding the Delhi blast, it has come to light that the Hyundai i20 vehicle involved in the explosion was purchased from a second-hand car dealer situated in Sector 37 of Faridabad, Haryana.
The explosion took place on Monday evening when the Haryana-registered Hyundai i20, parked near Gate No.1 of the Red Fort Metro Station, detonated, resulting in the deaths of at least eight individuals and injuring many others. In response, high alerts have been issued across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Mumbai, with heightened security measures implemented around densely populated public areas and religious sites.
This tragic event occurred just hours after law enforcement dismantled a terror cell associated with Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind in Faridabad, seizing 2,900 kg of explosives alongside a significant stockpile of weapons and ammunition.
Authorities have also reported the recent arrests of two doctors from Jammu and Kashmir, Adil Ahmad Rather and Muzammil, connected to these terrorist organizations, which, according to insider information, caused panic within the group and ultimately led to the blast.
Reports indicate that the Hyundai i20 was initially owned by Mohammad Salman, who was taken into custody on Monday night. The vehicle changed hands multiple times; it was first sold to Nadeem, then to a second-hand dealer in Faridabad.
Subsequently, the vehicle was sold to Aamir, followed by Tariq, who is also suspected to be linked to the Faridabad terror cell, and finally acquired by Mohammad Umar. Both Aamir and Tariq are currently under investigation.
In the wake of the blast, the Delhi Police have ramped up their inquiry into the explosion near the Red Fort, unveiling vital information from CCTV footage that traced the movements of the suspect vehicle hours before the detonation.
According to police sources, the CCTV footage captures the white i20 parked in the vicinity of the Red Fort parking lot at approximately 3:19 p.m., remaining there for nearly three hours before departing around 6:48 p.m.
Officials noted that the vehicle left during a time of significant crowd activity in the area.
The footage is being scrutinized to ascertain who brought the car to the parking area, who accessed the vehicle, and who drove it away. Investigators are also tracing the vehicle's complete route, including its origin, how it reached the parking area, and its subsequent journey toward the traffic signal directly in front of the monument.
Authorities confirmed that over 100 CCTV clips are under analysis, including surveillance from nearby roads and parking toll booths, to map the vehicle's path and identify the suspect. "The suspect seems to be alone in the footage," said sources from the Delhi Police, adding that the route towards Daryaganj is currently under examination.
Investigators are set to interrogate the parking attendant on duty during the incident to gather additional insights regarding the vehicle's arrival and departure.
A case has been filed under UAPA Sections 16 and 18, as well as provisions of the Explosives Act and several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
In the meantime, as part of increased security protocols, the Delhi Police have closed Gate Nos. 1 and 4 of the Lal Qila Metro Station for public access due to ongoing security operations in the vicinity.
The Delhi Police are tirelessly working to reconstruct the timeline leading up to the blast, stressing that all potential avenues are being thoroughly examined.