Red Fort Blast Case: NIA Charges 10 Accused Linked To AQIS Offshoot

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday filed a 7,500-page chargesheet against 10 accused in connection with the deadly car bomb explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort that killed 11 people and injured several others in November 2025.

The high-intensity Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) blast caused widespread destruction in the area and triggered a nationwide security alert.

The NIA alleged that the accused had links with Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGuH), an offshoot of Al-Qaida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS).

The agency identified Pulwama-based Dr Umer Un Nabi, who died in the blast, as the alleged mastermind of the conspiracy.

Investigators have proposed abating charges against him following his death.

The NIA filed the chargesheet under the UAPA, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Explosive Substances Act, Arms Act and Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.

The accused include Aamir Rashid Mir, Jasir Bilal Wani, Dr Muzamil Shakeel, Dr Adeel Ahmed Rather, Dr Shaheen Saeed, Mufti Irfan Ahmad Wagay, Soyab, Dr Bilal Naseer Malla and Yasir Ahmad Dar.

Investigators examined 588 witness statements, over 395 documents and more than 200 seized exhibits during the probe.

The NIA alleged that the accused were radicalised by the ideology of AQIS and AGuH. The agency said they regrouped in Srinagar in 2022 under the banner of ‘AGuH Interim’. This came after their failed attempt to reach Afghanistan through Turkey.

The agency claimed the group launched ‘Operation Heavenly Hind’, recruited members, spread extremist propaganda and collected weapons and explosives.

Officials identified Triacetone Triperoxide (TATP) as the explosive used in the Red Fort blast.

The accused allegedly experimented with chemicals and procured weapons, including AK-47 and Krinkov rifles.

The NIA also claimed the group planned drone and rocket-based IED attacks before investigators dismantled the module.

So far, authorities have arrested 11 people, while efforts continue to trace absconding suspects.

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