NIA’s First Arrest in Delhi Blast Case: Aide of Doctor Who Drove the Car That Blew Up Near Red Fort

Introduction

New Delhi — In a major breakthrough, India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) has made its first arrest in connection with the car blast near Delhi’s Red Fort. The suspect, identified as Amir Rashid Ali, is said to be a close aide of the doctor who was driving the vehicle that exploded.

Who Has Been Arrested

According to the NIA, Amir Rashid Ali is a resident of Samboora, Pampore in Jammu & Kashmir. The investigation team claims he traveled to Delhi to help buy the Hyundai i20 that was used in the attack. Shockingly, the very car is registered in his name.

Role of the Doctor

The NIA has also confirmed the identity of the driver as Dr Umar Un Nabi, a medical professor from Pulwama working at Al Falah University in Faridabad. The agency says the car was not just any vehicle — it was used as a “vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Device (IED).” Investigators believe there was a conspiracy between Ali and Dr. Nabi: Ali allegedly helped acquire the car, knowing it would be used for a terror act.

Investigation Details

• Forensic teams have confirmed that Dr. Nabi was behind the wheel when the explosion occurred.
• The NIA has seized another vehicle registered to Dr. Nabi and is currently examining it for further evidence.
• The agency has interviewed 73 witnesses so far, including injured people from the blast, and is coordinating with multiple state police forces — Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh — to uncover a larger terror network.

What the NIA Says

An NIA spokesperson stated that this arrest is a “major breakthrough” in the terror investigation. The agency is working to trace the wider conspiracy and identify others who were involved in planning or supporting the attack.

Background Context

• The blast took place on 10 November 2025, near the Red Fort Metro Station.
• Initial investigations found large quantities of ammonium nitrate and other explosive chemicals possibly linked to earlier raids.
• Authorities have been probing connections to a broader terror module, with multiple arrests made in recent days, including several doctors.

Conclusion

The arrest of Amir Rashid Ali marks a critical development in the Red Fort blast probe. It suggests that the attack was not spontaneous, but potentially part of a well-planned conspiracy. As the investigation proceeds, the NIA’s focus will be on uncovering the entire network, tracing who else may be involved, and preventing any similar attack in the future.