In a significant development in the ongoing probe into the November 10 Red Fort blast, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday arrested a Faridabad resident for allegedly providing shelter to the prime accused, Umar-Un-Nabi, who was driving the explosive-laden car at the time of the incident. The explosion, which took place near one of Delhi’s most sensitive and iconic heritage sites, prompted a multi-agency investigation and heightened security concerns across the capital.
The arrested individual has been identified as Soyab, a resident of Dhauj village in Faridabad, Haryana. According to the NIA, he is believed to have knowingly harboured Umar-Un-Nabi, assisting him in evading authorities in the immediate aftermath of the blast. With this arrest, the total number of individuals taken into custody in connection with the case has risen to seven, signalling what officials describe as “steady progress” in unravelling the conspiracy.
On Wednesday, Soyab was produced before the Patiala House Court in New Delhi under heavy security. After reviewing the preliminary findings and submissions from the investigating team, the court granted the NIA 10 days of custodial interrogation. Officials said this period would be crucial for extracting information about fugitive suspects, logistical support systems, and possible financial channels behind the attack.
The Patiala House Court also approved an extension of custody for Amir Rashid Ali, in whose name the car used in the explosion was registered. Investigators are probing whether Ali played a deeper role in the procurement and movement of the vehicle or if his identity was misused by the attackers. The agency believes that examining his financial records, communication history, and known associations will provide further clarity.
Meanwhile, the NIA has intensified its search operations across Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Raids are reportedly underway to trace individuals suspected of aiding the accused with accommodation, transportation, and materials used in the blast. Sources within the agency indicated that several digital devices, documents, and potential evidence have already been seized during these operations.
The November 10 explosion, though limited in scale, sent shockwaves across the national capital due to its proximity to the Red Fort a high-profile site with historical and symbolic significance. While no casualties were reported, the blast was serious enough to prompt the immediate deployment of specialised forensic teams, bomb disposal units, and counter-terror squads.
Authorities suspect the involvement of a larger network, possibly motivated by extremist ideology or linked to organised crime syndicates. While the NIA has not yet disclosed the specific motivations behind the attack, investigators continue to examine multiple angles, including cross-border influences, the sourcing of explosives, and the method used to assemble the device.
Security agencies in Delhi have since increased surveillance in vulnerable zones, with enhanced police patrolling, intensive document verification drives, and coordinated monitoring of inter-state movement.
As the investigation deepens, officials expect more arrests in the coming days. “The case is developing rapidly, and with each arrest, we are piecing together essential components of the conspiracy,” an NIA officer said on condition of anonymity.
The central government has assured full support to the probe, emphasising a zero-tolerance approach toward any act of terror. With the NIA’s efforts expanding and fresh leads emerging, the case is expected to remain a priority for law enforcement in the weeks ahead.