Delhi Red Fort blast probe uncovers Babri anniversary ‘revenge plan’: 32 cars and 2,900kg explosives seized

Dubai: A chilling terror conspiracy has emerged from the investigation into the deadly blast near Delhi’s Red Fort: A group of highly educated doctors, allegedly linked to the terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), had planned serial bombings across six locations in the National Capital Region on December 6.

This is the anniversary of the 1992 demolition of the Babri Masjid, a date the accused chose explicitly to “avenge” the incident, investigators told NDTV.

Top intelligence sources have revealed that the suspected module had created a five-phase blueprint to execute the coordinated attack. During interrogation, the accused doctors described how they formed the module, procured raw materials, assembled chemical IEDs, and conducted reconnaissance across NCR.

Five-phase plan

Phase 1: Formation of a terror module linked to JeM and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind

Phase 2: Procurement of raw material for improvised explosive devices from Nuh and Gurugram

Phase 3: Manufacture of chemical IEDs and surveillance of potential targets

Phase 4: Distribution of assembled bombs among module members

Phase 5: Execution of coordinated bombings across six to seven locations in Delhi

Investigators say the attacks were originally slated for August this year but were postponed due to operational delays. The group then fixed December 6, a date long invoked by JeM leadership. Masood Azhar, its chief, has repeatedly called for “revenge” for Babri Masjid in his writings.

The Red Fort blast

The conspiracy surfaced after a Hyundai i20 exploded near the Red Fort Metro Station, killing 13 people and injuring over 20. The car was being driven by Dr Umar Mohammed, a Kashmiri doctor working at Al Falah University in Faridabad. DNA analysis later confirmed his identity.

Raids across Faridabad led to the seizure of 2,900 kg of explosive material, including large quantities of ammonium nitrate. Two doctors — Dr Muzammil Shakeel and Dr Shaheen Saeed — were arrested soon after, and more suspects, including Dr Adeel Rather, are now in custody. NDTV reported that 32 vehicles — including a Maruti Brezza, Swift Dzire, and a Ford EcoSport — had been prepared to carry or deliver bombs across Delhi and NCR.

According to investigators, Umar “panicked” after the arrest of his associates and triggered the blast prematurely. The EcoSport recovered in Faridabad was found with an unidentified youth asleep inside; he has since been detained.

The Al Falah University hub

The 70-acre Al Falah University campus in Faridabad became the core meeting point for the terror module. Though the institution has distanced itself from the accused, NDTV reported that the doctors frequently met in Building 17, specifically Room 13, occupied by Dr Muzammil.

The group allegedly pooled Rs2 million to fund the attack. They purchased nearly 26 quintals of NPK fertilizer, intended for IED production, and smuggled laboratory chemicals from the university. These were stored in rented rooms in Dhauj and Taga villages.

Police have now sealed the room, recovering multiple electronic devices, pen drives, two diaries filled with code words, encrypted notes, and repeated references to an “operation.” Forensic experts found chemical residues in both the room and the university lab, suggesting that components for ANFO — a lethal ammonium nitrate–fuel oil mix — were prepared there.

As investigators reconstruct the plot, officials warn that the capital narrowly escaped a major terror attack. The seized explosives and recovered data suggest the intent was far more devastating than the single blast at Red Fort.