40 kg of high-grade explosives used in Red Fort blast, planning was on since 2023: Probe

“Forensic examinations of the blast site, all exhibits lifted from the spot and statement of arrested persons has revealed that at least 40 kg of ammonium nitrate was present in the car, which only could have led to an explosion of such a magnitude,” a source said.

Sources said the NIA has also found that Umar Nabi, who drove the car that exploded near the Red Fort, and others who have been arrested in the case, were planning the blast since 2023. Their actual plan was an explosion in Jammu and Kashmir but that changed after their module was busted by the J&K Police, the source said.

“The NIA has also found that the accused procured the batch of ammonium nitrate and fertilisers from shops at Sohna, Gurgaon, and Nuh in Haryana,” the source added.

The J&K Police had seized 358 kg of explosives suspected to be ammonium nitrate from the rented home of an accused in Faridabad’s Dhauj village.

The NIA has so far arrested nine persons in the case.

Earlier this week, a Delhi court had extended the judicial custody of seven accused — Adeel Rather, Muzammil Ganai, Shaheen Saeed, Maulvi Irfan Ahmed Wagay, Jasir Bilal Wani, Amir Rashid Ali and Soyab — till January 8, 2026.

“Following the Red Fort blast, the NIA arrested nine persons, who are associated with Umar and felicitated him. They harboured him and also provided him with logistical support,” the source said.