Red Fort Blast Suspects Planned Pulwama-Style Attack in Kashmir, But Arrests Foiled Plot

The investigation into the Red Fort blast has revealed that the group behind the attack intended to carry out a Pulwama-style car bombing in Kashmir. Their plan changed only after one of the key operatives was arrested, which forced the remaining members to strike in the national capital instead.

Details Emerge Through a Media Report Quoting Police Sources

According to a report by CNN News18, which cited J and K Police officials, the core group consisted of five main individuals. They included Umar, who carried out the detonation, cleric Maulvi Irfan, doctors Adeel Rather and Muzammil Shakeel, and a woman associated with the network.

"The core team included five people: Umar [the bomber], cleric Maulvi Irfan, doctors Adeel Rather and Muzammil Shakeel, and a woman. The woman financed Muzammil as she was his girlfriend, but we are still not sure how involved she was. Apart from this, there are two people who seem to be important. These are Adeel's brother, Muzaffar, who has fled to Afghanistan; and Aamir, who bought the car," the source said.

The explosion took place when a slow-moving vehicle burst near the Red Fort metro station on Monday evening, killing 13 people and injuring several others.

Foreign Links and International Movements

The report further stated that the module had developed foreign connections involving three individuals, including Ukasa and Hashim. Two of them are believed to be Kashmiris who claim to be in Afghanistan, while Hashim reportedly shifted between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

"When Muzammil, Muzaffar and Umar went to Turkey in 2022, Ukasa had provided them accommodation. The three wanted to move to Afghanistan, but were unable to do so. There was also a Syrian refugee who was in touch with Ukasa who took care of the trio. The three stayed for 15 to 20 days and came back," the source said.

The report added that cleric Irfan made several phone calls to Afghanistan in the past two months, while Muzaffar's phone records indicated regular links with Pakistan and Afghanistan.

How the Attack Was Planned and Altered

Officials quoted in the report said Irfan handled indoctrination, while Umar played a central operational role. With Umar's death in the blast, some planning details remain uncertain.

"The details are still sketchy as Umar has died but they must have discussed the targets for the attacks," the source said.

The group had originally planned to use an explosives laden vehicle and fuel oil to carry out an attack in Kashmir.

"We have also learnt that they wanted to execute the plan in Kashmir with the help of an explosives laden car and fuel oil. Exactly like what happened in Pulwama. But Muzammil's arrest ruined their plans, and Umar, in haste, targeted Red Fort," the source said.

Cracking the Network Across Multiple States

The report noted that authorities had earlier arrested seven people after a major cache of explosives and weapons was found in Faridabad. This seizure exposed what officials described as a white collar network functioning across various states.

Subsequent arrests in Uttar Pradesh, Indore and Kashmir helped investigators connect the dots of the wider operation.

Officials familiar with the probe told the outlet that the group had attempted a plot far beyond their actual capability, which eventually resulted in its collapse.