9mm cartridges, used by Army, recovered from Delhi blast site
What's the story
Three 9mm cartridges have been recovered from the site of a car explosion near Delhi's Red Fort on November 10, sources told India Today TV. The blast killed 13 people and injured over 20 others. Of the three cartridges, two were live rounds and one was an empty shell. The discovery is significant as 9mm ammunition is typically used by security forces and police personnel.
Ongoing probe
Investigation reveals no weapons found at blast site
Despite the recovery of the cartridges, no pistol or weapon parts were found at the site. This has led investigators to consider various angles, including whether the cartridges were discharged on-site or planted to mislead investigations. Forensic experts are now looking into this possibility as a crucial clue in their ongoing investigation.
Suspect tracked
CCTV footage reveals suspect's movements before blast
India Today TV claimed it accessed 43 CCTV images that trace the complete movement of the primary suspect, Dr Umar Mohammad, aka UmarNabi, before the explosion. The footage shows his movement from a Faridabad university campus to Old Delhi just hours before the blast. Officials confirmed Umar's identity after DNA lifted from the blast site matched samples taken from his mother, formally tying him to the attack.
Explosion details
Forensic analysis indicates high-grade explosive used
Forensic analysis indicated that the car carried about 30-40kg of ammonium nitrate, a quantity consistent with the scale and force of the explosion. High-grade material was confirmed to have triggered the blast near Red Fort Metro Station Gate Number 1. The FSL team collected over 40 pieces of evidence from the spot, including cartridges, live rounds, and residue of the explosive used.
Investigation progress
Crime Branch intensifies investigation, probes university links
The Delhi Police Crime Branch has intensified its investigation, focusing on possible links with Al Falah University. Two FIRs have been registered, one for cheating and another for forgery. A Crime Branch team visited the university's Okhla office seeking key documents related to irregularities involving individuals associated with the institution. This action is part of a wider probe examining whether academic or administrative channels were misused in connection with the explosion.
Accommodation raid
Rented accommodation linked to suspect raided by authorities
Authorities have also raided a rented accommodation behind the Goyal Ultrasound Centre, where Muhammad was reportedly seen moving around before the blast. The room was arranged with help from Shoeb, an electrician employed at Al Falah University. CCTV footage from a nearby ultrasound center is being examined to reconstruct Umar's movements before the explosion.