Suspected Delhi suicide bomber's mother, 2 brothers taken into custody
What's the story
The mother and two brothers of suspected suicide bomber Dr. Umar Mohammad have been taken into custody in Pulwama following a car blast near the Red Fort Metro Station in Delhi on Monday evening that killed nine people and injured 20. Officials are collecting DNA samples for identification, per reports. According to News18, on Friday Umar told his mother not to contact or disturb him because he was busy studying in the library. He had also switched off his phone.
Investigation underway
Umar known to 2 other doctors
Dr. Umar is reportedly known to Dr. Adeel Ahmad Rather and Dr. Mujammil Shakil, two doctors arrested on Monday in the "white collar" terror module busted by police teams from Jammu & Kashmir and Haryana. Rather is a former senior resident doctor at the Government Medical College in Anantnag, and his inputs led to a raid in Faridabad that resulted in the discovery of 3,000kg of explosives. However, after Rather and Shakil were arrested, Umar panicked and fled from Faridabad.
Findings
Fidayeen attack
After he fled, he planned the attack with two other associates by planting a detonator in the car. According to police sources, preliminary results indicate that ammonium nitrate, fuel oil, and detonators may have been used in the attack. Sources told ANI that the Delhi Police's initial investigation suggests that the explosion could be a 'Fidayeen' (suicide) attack, as he had planned the suicide attack as soon as he learned that the Faridabad module had been busted.
Security measures
Amit Shah to hold high-level security review meeting
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will hold a high-level security review meeting on Tuesday morning. The meeting will include top officials such as Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka. Delhi Police have registered an FIR under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Explosives Act, launching raids across multiple locations in the national capital.
Security alert
Delhi on high alert after blast
In the wake of the blast, Delhi has been put on high alert with strict surveillance at airports, railway stations and bus terminals. All vehicles entering the city are being thoroughly checked as part of heightened security measures. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation announced the closure of Lal Qila Metro Station for security reasons. No vehicles shall also be allowed on Netaji Subhash Marg from Chatta Rail Cut to Subhash Marg Cut and vice versa.