Red Fort Blast: Investigators recover Umar Nabi’s video from his dumped phone

Delhi – Investigators continue to uncover key details in the Red Fort blast case. They say Dr. Umar Nabi, the suspected Jaish-e-Mohammad operative, recorded the now-viral video in which he talks about a “martyrdom operation”. They add that they retrieved this video from his own mobile phone.

The probe began to shift quickly after J&K Police detained Umar’s younger brother from their Pulwama home on the night of the blast. During questioning, he admitted that Umar gave him the phone and told him to dump it. Investigators then moved fast. He took them to a drain, where he had thrown the device. After several attempts, the team recovered the phone.

Next, the police sent the device for data extraction. Technicians pulled out at least four videos, including the one circulating publicly. The police then shared this content with both the National Investigation Agency and the State Investigation Agency. Officials say the data gives them crucial insight into the mindset of Umar and his network.

Meanwhile, investigators questioned Umar’s close associates in the JeM module. They say the group described Umar as the most radicalised among them. He regularly pushed the idea of suicide bombing and tried to justify it as a “martyrdom act”. These statements helped officers understand how deeply he believed in violent extremism.

The module includes three other doctors. Dr. Muzammil Ahmad Ganai worked with Umar at Al Falah University. Dr. Adeel Majeed Rather served at a private hospital in Saharanpur. Dr. Shaheen Shahid Ansari came from Lucknow and also worked at Al Falah. Officers arrested all three as the investigation expanded.

During questioning, the doctors said they had not finalised a target or timeline for an attack. They also claimed that Umar fled after the module was busted and acted on impulse. This version aligns with the sequence of events reconstructed by the police.

As the probe progresses, investigators continue to trace digital evidence, travel routes, and communication links. They say each new detail strengthens their understanding of Umar’s motives and the module’s structure. They now focus on mapping any external handlers and identifying possible support networks.

In Delhi, security agencies have increased coordination. They examine every clue from the Red Fort scene and cross-check it with information coming from Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh. They also look at Umar’s academic circle and professional contacts to rule out additional links.

Officials say the recovery of Umar’s dumped phone marks a breakthrough. It gives them a direct look into his plans, his ideology, and his attempts to hide evidence. They plan to use this material to build a stronger case under anti-terror laws.

The investigation continues across multiple states. Agencies aim to uncover the full plot, identify all facilitators, and prevent any further attempts linked to the busted module.