NIA Names Absconding Doctor, Two Terror Associates in Red Fort Blast Chargesheet
NIA names three more accused in Red Fort blast probe.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a supplementary chargesheet against three more accused, including an absconding doctor, in connection with last year's car bomb blast near Delhi's Red Fort, further widening its investigation into the alleged terror conspiracy. The latest chargesheet names Zameer Ahmad Ahanger, Tufail Ahmad Bhat and Muzafar Ahmad, also known as Faraz or Zafar, all residents of Jammu and Kashmir. With this development, the total number of accused chargesheeted in the case has risen to 13, including the alleged mastermind, Umer Un Nabi, who was killed in the explosion. The agency said the supplementary chargesheet details the roles played by the newly named accused in supporting the alleged terror module involved in planning and facilitating the attack.
According to the NIA, Muzafar Ahmad, a paediatrician by profession, is the elder brother of co-accused Dr Adeel Ahmed Rather and is believed to be one of the founding members of Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGuH), an outfit described by investigators as an offshoot of al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). The agency alleged that Muzafar attended a meeting held at Srinagar's Eidgah in June 2022, during which the terror outfit was formed. Investigators have accused him of playing a significant operational role in the conspiracy, including participating in the manufacture, testing and safekeeping of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). These activities were allegedly carried out at a facility operated by Umer Un Nabi and another accused, Muzammil, at Al-Falah University in Faridabad. The NIA has secured a non-bailable warrant against Muzafar, who remains absconding.
The supplementary chargesheet also outlines the alleged involvement of the other two accused. Zameer Ahmad Ahanger has been identified as an overground worker of AGuH who allegedly acted as a courier for arms and cash intended for members of the terror module. Tufail Ahmad Bhat, whom the NIA described as a former overground worker associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has been accused of arranging and supplying weapons used by the group. According to investigators, he procured an AK-47 rifle, a Krinkov rifle, a pistol, magazines and ammunition through a handler before delivering the consignment to Dr Nabi for Rs 3 lakh. The agency believes the alleged supply of arms formed a crucial part of the module's preparations and operational capabilities.
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The NIA's investigation has focused on uncovering the structure, logistics and financial network behind the alleged terror module linked to the Red Fort car bomb blast. Officials have been examining the roles of various accused, their alleged links with banned terrorist organisations, and the procurement of explosives, weapons and funding. The agency has already filed charges against multiple individuals in the case and continues to pursue those who remain at large. The supplementary chargesheet is expected to strengthen the prosecution's case by providing additional evidence and detailing the alleged responsibilities of the newly accused individuals.
The Red Fort car bomb blast investigation remains one of the NIA's significant anti-terror cases, with authorities alleging that the conspiracy involved a coordinated network operating across multiple locations. The latest chargesheet reflects the agency's continuing efforts to identify every individual allegedly involved in the planning, financing and execution of the plot. As the investigation progresses, the NIA has indicated that efforts are ongoing to apprehend absconding accused, examine additional evidence and ensure that all those allegedly connected to the conspiracy are brought before the court.
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