New Delhi: The suicide bomber behind the deadly car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort had allegedly planned to park his explosives laden Hyundai i20 near Lal Mandir, a Jain temple, before traffic and police presence forced him to change direction, according to the National Investigation Agency’s chargesheet.
The blast, which took place on November 10, 2025, killed 11 people and injured several others. The NIA has alleged that Umar Un Nabi, a doctor, prepared explosives during an 11 day stay in Nuh before carrying out the attack.
Investigators have gathered witness accounts, forensic material, mobile phone data and other evidence to reconstruct Nabi’s movements and alleged preparations. A witness living near his rented accommodation reportedly observed suspicious activity, including a bag containing urine that allegedly caused a strong smell inside the room.
According to the chargesheet, documents recovered from pen drives belonging to Nabi and another accused, Shaheen Saeed, contained information about producing urea nitrate explosives. The material also allegedly described a method of obtaining urea from urine.
Traffic Changed the Alleged Attack Route
The NIA’s reconstruction indicates that Nabi left the Sunhari Masjid parking area at around 6:37 pm and drove towards Lal Mandir. However, heavy traffic and police presence allegedly prevented him from stopping there. He reportedly made a U turn and headed towards the Red Fort.
The explosion occurred at approximately 6:50 pm, only minutes after the route change.
Investigators have also examined Nabi’s repeated visits to the Red Fort. The NIA found that he visited the area 12 times between 2023 and 2025, with his final visit taking place on May 1, around six months before the blast.
The agency suspects these visits were linked to reconnaissance rather than tourism. Nabi and his associates allegedly switched off their mobile phones during some visits, apparently to avoid leaving digital records of their movements.
The chargesheet also records purchases of a T shirt, white shirt and cargo pants made by Nabi shortly before the attack, with the items reportedly bought using cash.
