How terror plotters amassed 2,600kg NPK, 1,000kg ammonium nitrate cache
What's the story
Investigations into the explosion near Red Fort in Delhi, which killed 13 people and injured over 20, have disclosed that a well-planned conspiracy to carry out "serial blasts" across multiple locations in four cities existed, a report by Livemint stated. The accused, Dr Umar Mohammad alias Umar Nabi, Dr Adil, Dr Muzammil, and Shaheen, sourced the base materials from multiple places.
Preliminary findings
Trail of evidence
Initial findings say the suspects stockpiled 2,600kg of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (NPK) fertilizer and 1,000kg of ammonium nitrate, quantities enough to make multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to target various cities. The materials were allegedly obtained from the Basai Meo village in Haryana's Nuh district, as well as from Faridabad, Gurugram, and Saharanpur.
Pretences
Suspects posed as farmhouse owners
The report cited sources to state that the suspects posed as farmhouse owners to purchase the fertilizer worth ₹3 lakh. Security officials have also seized at least two vehicles following the explosion of the Hyundai i20 near Red Fort, one of which was a Ford Ecosport, while the other was a Maruti Brezza. They are further investigating if any more vehicles were involved.
Fundraising
More vehicles, money for operations
Unnamed intelligence agency sources indicated that the suspects were preparing two more similar old vehicles packed with explosives to expand their targets. They also discovered that the suspects jointly raised around ₹20 lakh in cash, handed over to Mohammad, toward procuring 2,600kg of NPK fertiliser and 1,000kg of ammonium nitrate, intended for IED preparation.
Police statement
Dealers identified: Police
A senior Delhi Police official was quoted as saying, "They spent over ₹20 lakh, with each member contributing. The group also bought rifles and cartridges from Srinagar with help from their handlers, including one codenamed 'Ukasha.'" The police have identified fertilizer dealers in Faridabad who supplied material to the suspects. Muzammil Shakeel Ganai frequently visited the shops to purchase NPK, over three months.
DNA test
Prime suspect's identity confirmed
Earlier, DNA tests confirmed that Mohammad was the man in the car when the explosion happened near the Red Fort. His remains, including a leg stuck between the steering wheel and accelerator, matched DNA samples taken from his mother, the Delhi Police said. Investigative agencies told ANI that eight suspects intended to carry out blasts at four locations.