Delhi Car Blast Investigation: Umar Mohammad and 2 Others Traveled to Turkey in 2022

Fresh details have shifted the focus of the Delhi car blast investigation toward an overseas connection involving three Kashmiri medical professionals. The explosion near the Red Fort metro station is now being viewed as the outcome of a coordinated operation that stretched beyond India's borders.

The 2022 Journey Abroad

Top level sources reveal that Dr Umar U Nabi, who was behind the wheel of the vehicle that exploded, had travelled to Turkey with two associates. His companions were Muzafar Ahmad Rather, believed to be a doctor, and Dr Muzammil Shakeel.

The trio spent more than two weeks in Turkey in March 2022. During this time, they reportedly interacted with around 14 individuals whose identities are currently being examined. One of these persons is said to be the brother of a man later detained in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

Investigators are still verifying whether the group booked accommodation for the entire duration of the trip since the itinerary remains partly unclear.

Roles Inside the Alleged Module

Officials say Umar's role was directly linked to triggering the blast, while the other two medical professionals contributed in different areas of the plot. One handled logistics and recruitment, and the other managed storage locations and infrastructure that supported the operation.

Authorities now suspect that the planning for this overseas visit may have begun in late 2021, with the members gradually connecting before deciding on Turkey as their destination. Unlike several past terror investigations, no evidence has yet emerged indicating that the suspects ever travelled to Pakistan.

Links to Pulwama and Explosive Stockpiles

Investigators identify Dr Muzafar Ahmad Rather as a resident of Wunpora in Pulwama district. He is suspected to be the brother of Adeel who was arrested in Saharanpur after the blast.

Dr Muzammil Shakeel, from Koil in Pulwama, had been associated for years with the Al Falah university hospital in Faridabad. He reportedly rented several rooms in the district that later turned out to be storage points for large quantities of explosives, rifles, ammunition and timer based devices.

Search teams recovered more than 350 kilograms of suspected explosive material along with components linked to IED production from these premises.

Wider Crackdown Expected

With the investigation expanding, agencies are preparing for more arrests and sustained search operations across Delhi NCR, Uttar Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Officials believe that dismantling the network will require unraveling not only the stockpiles of weapons but also the professional identities that allowed the suspects to work undetected.