Ahmad Taimur
Srinagar, Nov 12: A high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by PM Modi on Wednesday over the Red Fort blast that killed 9 people and injured 20 others, stated that the explosion was “a heinous terror incident, perpetrated by anti-national forces”.
According to details available, the high-level meeting was also attended by Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, among others.
The Union Cabinet, which met at PM Modi’s residence in Lok Kalyan Marg in New Delhi, expressed profound grief over the loss of lives in the terrorist incident involving a car explosion near the Red Fort in Delhi on Monday evening. The cabinet, while condemning the incident, also passed a resolution.
The resolution states that the country has witnessed a heinous terror incident, perpetrated by anti-national forces, through a car explosion near the Red Fort. The explosion resulted in multiple fatalities, and caused injuries to several others.
It states that the Cabinet pays solemn respects to the victims of this senseless act of violence and conveys its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. “The Cabinet prays for the speedy recovery of all those injured, and appreciates the prompt efforts of the medical personnel and emergency responders, who have been providing care and support to the victims”.
The Cabinet unequivocally condemns this dastardly and cowardly act that has led to the loss of innocent lives. It reiterates India’s unwavering commitment to a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
It states that the Cabinet notes with appreciation the timely and coordinated response of the authorities, security agencies, and citizens who acted with courage and compassion in the face of adversity.
The cabinet also directed that the investigation into the incident be pursued with the utmost urgency and professionalism so that the perpetrators, their collaborators, and their sponsors are identified and brought to justice without delay.
Earlier in the day, after returning from Bhutan state visit, PM Modi visited the LNJP hospital in Delhi to inquire about the wellbeing of those who were injured in the blast.
Earlier, Delhi Police Special Cell handed over the probe to the National Investigation Agency, under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Explosive Substances Act, and sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to murder and conspiracy.
A top official said that Jammu and Kashmir Police have also formally handed over the investigation of the module case to State Investigation Agency (SIA) under overall supervision of Criminal Investigation Department CID. Earlier, Srinagar Police was looking into the case, he said.
DNA sample of Dr Umar’s mother collected
Investigators suspect that Dr Umar drove the car in which the explosion took place and to establish the link, authorities today collected the DNA sample of his mother.
An official said that the DNA sample of his mother has been sent to AIIMS forensic laboratory for further investigation and to ascertain whether Dr Umar was inside the car.
Police trace another car linked to Red Fort blast
As the ambit of the probe widens, the Delhi police have found an SUV – a red EcoSport car – suspected to be linked to the blast. During investigation it came to fore that this car was also owned by Dr Umar Mohammad, who investigators believe triggered the deadly blast in one of the busiest places in Delhi.
According to details available, Delhi police earlier today had issued a high alert after a probe revealed that apart from the Hyundai i20, the suspects also had another red car.
All Delhi police stations, police posts, and border checkpoints were alerted to look out for the red EcoSport car. Hours after the alert, the car, bearing registration number DL10CK0458, was intercepted at a farmhouse in Haryana’s Khandavali village.
Investigation has revealed that the SUV is registered in the name of Dr Umar Un Nabi, also known as Umar Mohammad, the prime suspect in the Delhi blast case. Dr Umar is believed to have purchased the car on October 29, and on the same day, it was taken out to get the Pollution Under Control certificate. CCTV footage from that day shows three people were in the car.
Dr Umar was part of the terror module busted by Jammu and Kashmir police and Haryana police last week and was working at the Al-Falah Medical College in Haryana’s Faridabad. So far, the investigation has revealed that Dr Umar was driving the car that exploded near the Red Fort on Monday evening, killing 9 people and injuring 20 others.
The probe has further revealed that fearing arrest, Dr Umar triggered the blast in panic after his other accomplices, Dr Muzzamil Shakeel, Dr Adil Ahmad and Dr Shaheen were arrested by the Jammu and Kashmir police and Haryana police.
According to investigating agencies, this module was being handled from abroad. Delhi Police and central agencies are now probing the foreign link in the case.
As investigation is ongoing, a total of 15 arrests have been made so far, while several have been detained for questioning in the Red Fort blast case.
Meanwhile, investigation has also revealed that Dr Muzzamil, Dr Shaheen and Dr Umar stayed inside the Al Falah university campus. Dr Muzzamil was staying in the campus for the last 3 years, while Dr Umar was associated with the university for the last 7 years and Dr Shaeena got in touch with them recently, the probe revealed.
It also revealed that another person who works in the HR department of the university is responsible for bringing these doctors from Jammu and Kashmir to Faridabad. He is also being questioned by the Investigators. (KNO)
