There has been a significant development in the investigation into the horrific Red Fort blast that shook the national capital late last year. On Friday, a Delhi court decided the immediate fate of five key accused individuals—including three doctors and a religious preacher—sending them to judicial custody as the National Investigation Agency (NIA) continues to peel back the layers of this complex conspiracy.
The move comes as investigators dig deeper into what is being termed a “white-collar” terror module, revealing disturbing links between educated professionals and the violent attack that claimed 15 lives.
From Hospitals to Prison Cells: Court Remands 5 Accused
In a hearing on January 16, Principal District and Sessions Judge Anju Bajaj Chandna ordered that five accused be sent to judicial custody until February 13, 2026. The group includes three medical professionals—Dr. Adil Rather, Dr. Shaheen Saeed, and Dr. Muzammil Gunei—along with a preacher, Maulvi Irfan Ahmad Wagh, and Jaseer Bilal Wani.
The NIA had previously held these suspects to probe a variety of leads, including deciphering “code words” found in their communications and analyzing objectionable material recovered from their digital devices. In addition to these five, the court also extended the judicial custody of two other key figures in the case, Yaseer Ahmad Dar and Naseer Bilal Mulla, ensuring they remain behind bars while the investigation intensifies.
Unmasking the Conspiracy: The Suicide Bomber Connection
The investigation has brought to light chilling details about the execution of the November 10, 2025 attack. According to the NIA, the suicide bomber, Umar-un-Nabi, who drove an explosives-laden Hyundai i20 into the crowd near Red Fort Metro Station Gate No. 1, was not acting alone.
Agency findings reveal that:
- Yaseer Ahmad Dar, a resident of Jammu and Kashmir, was a close associate of the bomber. He is accused of providing critical logistical support and attempting to destroy evidence after the blast.
- Jaseer Bilal Wani, who was arrested in Srinagar shortly after the attack, allegedly played a technical role. Investigators believe he was involved in modifying drones for potential attacks and was even attempting to manufacture rockets.
The Financial Crackdown: ED Seizes ₹140 Crore Assets
While the NIA focuses on the terror plot, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a massive crackdown on the financial network allegedly supporting these activities. On Friday, the ED attached properties worth approximately ₹140 crore belonging to Al-Falah University in Faridabad.
This attachment includes 54 acres of land, university buildings, and hostels. The connection? The suicide bomber, Umar-un-Nabi, was employed as a doctor at Al-Falah Medical College. The ED has filed a chargesheet against the university’s chairman, Javed Ahmad Siddiqui, accusing the trust of money laundering and operating as part of a “white-collar terror module.”
What Comes Next?
With the accused now in judicial custody until mid-February, the NIA is expected to focus on bridging the gaps in the conspiracy that spans across Jammu & Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi-NCR. The agency has cited contradictions in statements and the need for further crime simulations as reasons for their rigorous probe. As the authorities continue to trace communication trails and financial lifelines, Delhi waits for justice for the victims of that tragic November day.
Last Updated: 17 January 2026
