Delhi blast suspects in touch with foreign handlers: Investigation
What's the story
The investigation into the recent Delhi blast has revealed that three suspects were in contact with two foreign handlers. The blast, which took place on November 10 near the Red Fort, killed at least 13 people. The driver of the explosive-laden Hyundai i20 has been identified as Dr Umar Mohammad through DNA matching after samples taken from the explosion site matched with his mother's.
Investigation progress
Suspects in touch with foreign handlers
Dr Mohammad's associates, Dr Muzammil Shakeel and Dr Shaheen Saeed, were also in touch with these handlers, who are believed to be linked to the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group. The handlers have been code-named Dr Okasa and Dr Hashim, alias Arif Nisar, by the agencies investigating the case. While Nisar is suspected to be the Pakistani handler, Okasa is believed to be Turkish, NDTV reported.
Handler details
Suspects communicated through encrypted apps
There is also a possibility that the two handlers could be the same person. The suspects allegedly communicated with their handlers through encrypted apps such as Session, Telegram, and Signal. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is currently leading the probe into this case. A multi-agency investigation is also underway to look into other aspects of this terror incident.
Ongoing investigation
Dr Mohammad's house demolished by security forces
Dr Mohammad's two associates are currently in police custody as part of the ongoing investigation. In a swift response to the incident, security forces have demolished Dr Mohammad's house in Pulwama district during an overnight operation. The probe continues as authorities work to piece together the details of this tragic event that shook Delhi last week.