The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested Soyab, a resident of Dhauj near Al Falah University in Faridabad, for allegedly providing shelter and logistical support to Dr Umar-un Nabi, the main accused in the Red Fort blast case on November 10. This arrest marks the seventh in connection with the attack, exposing the operational depth of the “white-collar” module that aided the bomber.
White-Collar Module Investigation Underway
Sources say Soyab reportedly hid Umar just before the blast and assisted him in moving across the National Capital Region (NCR). The NIA will interrogate Soyab along with previously detained accused to reconstruct the network and operations of this terror module.
“Investigators are following multiple leads across states and coordinating with local police to identify all individuals involved,” an agency spokesperson said.
Earlier Arrests and Evidence Collection
Before Soyab’s arrest, the NIA took six other individuals into custody:
- Dr Muzammil Shakeel Ganai, Pulwama
- Dr Adeel Ahmed Rather, Anantnag
- Dr Shaheen Saeed, Lucknow
- Mufti Irfan Ahmad Wagay, Shopian
- Amir Rashid Ali, car registered owner
- Jasir Bilal Wani (alias Danish), provided technical support
Investigators are examining their roles in planning, execution, and logistics. Umar had allegedly driven a Hyundai i20 loaded with explosives near a traffic crossing by the Red Fort.
Tracing Movements and Material Procurement
As part of the probe, the NIA took Dr Muzammil Shakeel Ganai to Al Falah University to identify locations he accessed. The agency also traced purchases of 1,600 kg of ammonium nitrate from shops in Sohna between December 2022 and February 2023. Shopkeepers confirmed cooperation and shared records of bulk fertilizer purchases over three years across Sohna, Nuh, Palwal, and Faridabad.
Authorities believe these steps are crucial to understanding the planning, identifying accomplices, and preventing future attacks.
Next Steps in the Investigation
The NIA continues reconstructing the conspiracy, examining both on-ground and logistical support networks. Officials stress that the investigation is ongoing and may lead to further arrests as they piece together the “white-collar” support system behind the Red Fort blast.
