DNA Confirms Red Fort Blast Suspect Dr. Umar Nabi Died in Suicide Explosion; NIA Takes Over Probe

In a significant development in the investigation of the car blast near Delhi’s Red Fort, forensic analysis has confirmed that the prime suspect, Dr. Umar Nabi, was inside the vehicle at the time of the explosion. According to agency sources quoted by CNN-News18, DNA tests have matched Umar’s remains with samples obtained from his mother, conclusively identifying him as the individual who carried out the suicide attack that killed twelve people on Monday evening near Metro Gate No. 1 at Chandni Chowk.

The confirmation establishes a direct link between Haryana’s Al-Falah University, where Umar was reportedly affiliated, and the blast site near the historic monument. Forensic experts compared bone and dental fragments recovered from the charred Hyundai i20 with genetic samples from Umar’s family, confirming his identity beyond doubt.

Citing Delhi Police sources, ANI reported that Umar’s leg was found trapped between the steering wheel and accelerator after the explosion. CCTV footage from the area showed him parking the i20 at around 3:19 p.m. in the Sunehri Masjid parking lot, moments before the deadly blast. Prior to the attack, he had stayed at a mosque on Asaf Ali Road near Ramlila Maidan, investigators said. His mobile phone data and call records are now being closely analyzed by multiple intelligence agencies.

According to PTI, Umar, a resident of Koil village in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, had been working as a faculty member at a college in Faridabad. His mother, Shameema Begum, along with two sons, was escorted by police for DNA testing in Pulwama to aid in the identification process. Authorities have also detained three individuals involved in the sale and purchase of the Hyundai i20 for questioning.

Family members expressed disbelief at the revelations. Umar’s sister-in-law, Muzamil, described him as a “quiet, introverted person who always focused on his studies and work,” adding that the family could not comprehend his alleged involvement in any terror-related activity.

Preliminary forensic reports suggest that ammonium nitrate, fuel oil, and detonators were used in the blast—materials similar to those seized in Faridabad earlier, where nearly 2,900 kilograms of explosives had been recovered.

The Delhi Police have registered a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Explosives Act, citing charges of criminal conspiracy and execution of a terrorist attack. Following the magnitude of the incident, the Ministry of Home Affairs has officially transferred the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for an extensive probe into possible wider terror networks behind the explosion.