The National Investigation Agency (NIA) announced the arrest of Jasir Bilal Wani, an alleged co-conspirator, relating to the car blast near Delhi’s Red Fort last week, which left 13 people dead. Authorities made the arrest on Monday, aimed at dismantling a sophisticated interstate terror network linked to the banned Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
Wani, a resident of Qazigund in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district, reportedly provided technical support for terror operations. He allegedly modified drones and attempted to fabricate rockets before the December 6 terrorist incident. The NIA apprehended Wani in Srinagar, where he was known by the alias Danish.
Working closely with the primary suspect, Umar un Nabi, Wani helped to plan the tragic explosion that originated from a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED). Officials from the NIA are actively investigating various angles to uncover the complete conspiracy behind the November 10 blast.
During interrogation, Wani revealed how Umar had radicalised and influenced him for months, trying to recruit him as a suicide bomber. Wani met members of the so-called “Doctor module” at a mosque in Kulgam last October, leading to a subsequent arrangement in Faridabad, Haryana, where the group plotted their actions.
The upsurge in activities from this module indicates rising influence and operational capability of JeM in the region, prompting the NIA and local law enforcement to intensify their investigations. While Wani was expected to function as an over-ground worker, Umar’s aim was for Wani to carry out a suicide attack.
The plot appeared to fall apart in April when Wani managed to extricate himself from Umar’s plans, citing personal financial struggles and his religious beliefs, which disallowed suicide.
This incident exposes a complex and imminent threat of radicalisation and operational planning from local modules linked to JeM. Investigators reported that Umar, a 28-year-old doctor from Pulwama, constituted a central figure in a network spread across Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
His plans reportedly included executing a VBIED attack designed to occur on the highly symbolic date of December 6, coinciding with the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition. Authorities found that Umar intended to detonate the bomb in crowded areas, potentially leading to mass casualties.
Wani’s previous interactions revealed that Umar’s radicalisation escalated after a 2021 trip to Turkey, where he met with known associates of JeM. Upon return, the duo began acquiring substantial amounts of chemicals for bomb-making, including 360 kg of ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, and sulphur.
The investigation took a critical turn when Srinagar Police arrested Ganaie, leading to a breakthrough that culminated in the discovery of explosives, disrupting Umar’s plans and inadvertently triggering the Red Fort blast.
The investigation into this interstate terror network commenced on October 19, when JeM posters emerged in locations near Srinagar. Following a thorough review of CCTV footage, local police apprehended three suspects, known for their previous stone-pelting activities. These arrests led to the detention of Maulvi Irfan Ahmad, a former paramedic and Imam suspected of supplying propaganda materials.
The latest developments stress the urgency of dismantling these terror networks before further attacks can occur. Investigators remain determined to track and bring to justice all individuals involved in the planning and execution of this heinous act.
