Forensic Breakthroughs Confirm Dr. Umar as the Lone Bomber in the Delhi Red Fort Car Blast.

The inquiry into the Red Fort car blast has evolved into a complex forensic and intelligence operation in Delhi, one of the most intricate in recent memory, as authorities have identified the explosion as having been conducted by Dr Umar Un Nabi, 35, a doctor from Pulwama, Kashmir. This was confirmed by way of a complicated DNA investigation, which was possible after only a severed arm, bone fragments, and burnt tissue were recovered from the debris of the blasted Hyundai i20. In total, 21 biological samples (charred bone, teeth, hair roots, and fabric evidence) were transferred under strict chain of custody to the Forensic Laboratory at AIIMS and the Delhi Forensic Science Laboratory. Due to the thermal damage, experts utilised mitochondrial DNA sequencing, autosomal loci, and kinship analysis. The results conclusively identified the samples to be DNA from Umar’s mother and brother from Pulwama. This confirmed him as the bomber and the only occupant of the vehicle.

Investigators also recovered a total of three 9mm cartridges, two live and one spent, at the explosion location. However, a firearm was not recovered. The next level of ballistic work will try to determine whether or not the gun was destroyed, discarded by the assailants, or simply left out intentionally to mislead the investigators. Fragments of wiring, a 9-volt battery that was burned, and fragments of metal appear to be indicative of a medium-high grade improvised explosive device (IED) being utilised in the vehicle cabin. As part of a large intelligence sweep, authorities have questioned more than 2,000 Kashmiri students along with tenants and migrant workers in Faridabad and the surrounding NCR areas. The authorities did not indicate whether they had identified any accomplices, but investigators are attempting to track Umar’s whereabouts, communication, and possible support.

Digital forensic evidence recovered from a damaged device and cloud backups reflects that Umar had dated December 6, a date with significant history, which may indicate that he was planning a second attack. Investigators are considering whether the date held any ideological significance or whether he was primed for operational preparation.

Even though the identity and role of Umar have been confirmed, questions about the source of the explosives, how he was radicalised, what the purpose of the 9mm cartridges was, and the significance of the December 6 marker remain unanswered, leading to the investigation being continued and national security agencies observing the situation closely.