Delhi Blast Probe: AK-47 Purchase, Turkey Link, Multiple Handlers—Fresh Details Expose Deep Terror Network

Investigating agencies probing the Red Fort blast — which killed 15 people in a massive explosion inside an i20 car — have uncovered major new details pointing to a well-funded, highly coordinated transnational terror module, according to sources quoted by ANI.

AK-47 Bought for Over ₹5 Lakh

Officials have revealed that accused Dr Muzammil Shakeel purchased an AK-47 rifle for more than ₹5 lakh, a move investigators described as a critical link demonstrating the module’s level of financing and preparedness.
The weapon was later recovered from another arrested accused, Dr Adeel Ahmed Rather, during the investigation.

Deep Freezer Used to Prepare Explosives

Sources told ANI that Muzammil had also purchased a deep freezer to store chemicals and prepare the explosive mixture. The freezer was reportedly used to stabilise and process compounds used in the bomb.

Five Accused in Custody

The NIA has arrested the following key accused:

• Dr Umar Nabi – who was driving the explosive-laden car at the time of the blast

• Dr Muzammil Shakeel Ganai (Pulwama, J&K)

• Dr Adeel Ahmed Rather (Anantnag, J&K)

• Dr Shaheen Saeed (Lucknow, UP)

• Mufti Irfan Ahmad Wagay (Shopian, J&K)

Multiple Handlers, Layered Network

Investigators say that each accused reported to a separate handler, suggesting a compartmentalised, cell-style design.

Two handlers identified so far:

• Mansoor

• Hashim

Both were operating under a more senior handler believed to be supervising the overall module. Officials said the network operated in layers, with instructions passed through encrypted channels.

Turkey Trip Linked to TTP

A significant international link has emerged:
In 2022, Muzammil, Adeel, and another accused Muzaffar Ahmad travelled to Turkey on instructions from an individual named Okasa, associated with the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

The trio was supposed to be routed into Afghanistan through a Turkish contact, but the handler backed out after waiting for nearly a week.

Investigators found that Muzammil and Okasa communicated via a Telegram ID, with conversations intensifying when Muzammil began asking about his handler.

Bomb-Making via Online Manuals

According to officials, Dr Umar learned the process of assembling the bomb through videos, manuals, and open-source online content.
He purchased:

• Chemical ingredients from Nuh

• Electronic components from Bhagirath Palace and Faridabad’s NIT Market

Rift at Al-Falah University

The probe has also confirmed an internal dispute between Umar and Muzammil at Al-Falah University over money. The confrontation was reportedly witnessed by several students.

After the altercation, Umar handed over his red EcoSport, already carrying explosive material, to Muzammil.

Plan for Multiple Coordinated Attacks

Intelligence officials believe the group planned to store explosives at multiple locations and launch simultaneous attacks across the national capital.

A senior intelligence official told ANI that the recovered materials and digital trails strongly support the assessment of a large-scale coordinated terror plot.