NIA Gets Extended Custody of Two Key Accused in Deadly Red Fort Blast
Delhi court extends NIA custody of two accused in Red Fort blast case that killed 15.
A Delhi court on Friday extended the National Investigation Agency’s custody of two accused in the Red Fort blast case, granting investigators additional time for questioning. Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma allowed the NIA to keep Yasir Ahmed Dar in custody for ten more days, while Dr Bilal Naseer Malla’s custody was extended by eight days. The proceedings were held in-camera, with media barred from coverage.
According to the NIA, the blast occurred on November 10 when an explosive-laden car detonated outside the Red Fort, killing 15 people. Investigators have identified Umar-un-Nabi as the alleged mastermind of the attack, claiming he was driving the vehicle at the time of the explosion. The agency has described the incident as a carefully planned terrorist act.
Dr Bilal Naseer Malla was arrested in Delhi on December 9 and has been described by the NIA as a key conspirator. The agency alleges that Malla knowingly sheltered Umar-un-Nabi and provided logistical support before the attack. He is also accused of destroying evidence linked to the blast, further complicating the investigation.
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Yasir Ahmed Dar, a resident of Jammu and Kashmir, was arrested on December 18 and is the ninth accused in the case. The NIA claims Dar was a close associate of Umar-un-Nabi and played a supporting role in the conspiracy. His extended custody is expected to help investigators uncover additional links and operational details.
So far, the NIA has arrested nine individuals in connection with the case. Among them are Dr Muzammil Ganaie, Dr Adeel Rather, and Dr Shaheen Sayeed, who are also accused of involvement in the terror plot. The agency continues to widen its investigation to identify all those connected to the attack.
With custody extensions now granted, the NIA is expected to intensify interrogations to piece together the full scope of the conspiracy. Officials have indicated that further arrests and charges may follow as the probe progresses.
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