NIA Pursues Extended Custody to Unravel Red Fort Blast Conspiracy
The National Investigation Agency has approached a Delhi court seeking an extension of custody for five accused individuals. This move aims to decode secret code words and expose a broader terror plot linked to last year's deadly explosion near the historic monument.
Court Grants Three-Day Custody Extension
Principal District and Sessions Judge Anju Bajaj Chandna of Patiala House Court approved the NIA's request on Tuesday. The court granted three additional days of custody for the five accused persons. This extension will last until January 16.
The individuals affected by this order include Mufti Irfan Ahmad Wagay, Jasir Bilal Wani alias Danish, Ahmad Dr Adeel Rather, Dr Shaheen Saeed, and Dr Muzamil Shakeel Ganie. All remain in NIA custody for intensive questioning.
Deciphering Coded Communications
In its official remand papers, the NIA emphasized the need to understand coded language used by the accused. The agency stated that forensic examination of digital devices has revealed incriminating material requiring explanation.
The investigation agency specifically mentioned that custodial interrogation is necessary to clarify code words and other evidence recovered during previous police custody periods. This material emerged from extracted data found on the accused persons' electronic devices.
Uncovering a Larger Terror Network
The NIA's investigation seeks to reveal what it describes as a "larger conspiracy" orchestrated by the accused individuals. Agency officials want to identify additional associates and trace communication patterns related to the case.
According to remand documents, the accused must be confronted with co-accused persons, suspects, and specific witnesses. These individuals possess exclusive knowledge about the case circumstances. The confrontation will help investigators conduct crime simulations and locate remaining sites in Jammu & Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and the National Capital Region.
Background of the Red Fort Blast
The tragic incident occurred on November 10 last year when a Hyundai i20 car exploded near the Lal Qila Metro station. The explosion resulted in thirteen fatalities and left numerous people injured. The NIA has arrested nine individuals in connection with this case so far.
Investigators have connected all arrested persons to Umar Nabi, who allegedly drove the explosive-laden vehicle. DNA samples from Nabi's mother confirmed his presence in the car during the incident. The NIA continues to track everyone Umar contacted in recent months.
Umar Nabi is suspected of leading a "white-collar group" consisting primarily of medical professionals. This terror module was reportedly busted just days before the Red Fort explosion occurred.
Multi-Agency Investigation Continues
The Union Home Ministry handed over the investigation to the NIA, which now collaborates closely with various state police forces. The agency aims to track and arrest everyone involved in planning and executing the blast.
Current interrogation efforts focus on several key areas:
- Decoding encrypted communications between accused individuals
- Mapping the complete terror network behind the attack
- Identifying all locations used by the module across multiple states
- Understanding the financial and logistical support structure
The NIA's persistent efforts demonstrate the complexity of modern terror investigations. Each piece of decoded information brings investigators closer to understanding the full scope of the conspiracy that led to last year's tragedy at one of India's most iconic landmarks.
