NEW DELHI, May 26, 2026 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has revealed that the main accused in the Red Fort car blast case, Dr Umer-un-Nabi, allegedly used a fake identity to procure chemicals and specialised equipment for manufacturing explosives.
According to official sources, Umer-un-Nabi — who died while driving the explosives-laden vehicle during the high-intensity blast near Delhi’s Red Fort — had conducted extensive online and offline research on explosive substances and chemical processes.
Investigators found that he had allegedly set up a makeshift laboratory at his flat inside Al Falah University in Faridabad to conduct experiments aimed at developing prototype explosive material.
During the investigation, the NIA recovered a delivery challan dated September 25, 2024, linked to the purchase of a customised Mixed Metal Oxide (MMO)-coated titanium anode from a Mumbai-based trader. The specialised equipment is commonly used in electrolysis processes.
According to the NIA chargesheet, the accused allegedly used electrolysis techniques to manufacture chlorates and perchlorates from common salt solutions — explosive substances commonly used in fireworks.
Officials revealed that Umer had created a fake identity under the name “Rahul Bhat” on the IndiaMART platform using another person’s mobile number to procure chemicals and equipment including solvents, fertiliser bags and anodes.
The investigation further found that he paid ₹25,000 through PhonePe to purchase the equipment, which was later delivered near Al Falah University and collected by him.
NIA officials also stated that Umer later attempted to negotiate the purchase of 10 more anodes, but the deal did not materialise after the busting of the interim terror module linked to Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGuH), associated with Al-Qaida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS).
The agency further revealed that Umer and co-accused Dr Muzammil Shakeel had travelled to Ahmedabad in April last year in an attempt to procure chemicals for explosive manufacturing.
Investigators also recovered radical jihadi literature and related digital material from the accused persons’ mobile devices during the probe.
The NIA recently filed a massive 7,500-page chargesheet against 10 accused in connection with the November 10, 2025, vehicle-borne IED blast near Red Fort in Delhi that claimed 11 lives and left several others injured.
