Kashmir Impulse Desk

New Delhi, June 27

National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed charges against three more men, including an absconding paediatrician, in connection with the deadly vehicle-borne bomb attack near Delhi’s Red Fort last year, alleging they played key roles in a militant network linked to an offshoot of al Qaeda in the Indian subcontinent.

The supplementary charge sheet, filed before the Patiala House Court in New Delhi, names Zameer Ahmad Ahanger, Tufail Ahmad Bhat and absconding paediatrician Muzafar Ahmad, also known by the aliases Faraz and Zafar, all residents of Jammu and Kashmir.

With the latest filing, the total number of people charge-sheeted in the case has risen to 13, including the alleged mastermind, Dr Umer Un Nabi, who died in November 10, 2025, vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) attack near the historic Red Fort that killed 11 people.

The bombing was among the deadliest militant attacks in the Indian capital in recent years and prompted a nationwide investigation by the NIA into what authorities describe as a newly formed militant module inspired by al Qaeda’s ideology.

According to the federal anti-terror agency, Muzafar Ahmad, a medical doctor holding MBBS and MD degrees, is the elder brother of another accused, Dr. Adeel Ahmad Rather, and was among the founding members of Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGuH) Interim, which investigators describe as an offshoot of the al Qaeda-linked militant organisation operating in the region.

The NIA alleged that Muzafar was one of the principal conspirators behind the bombing, along with Umer Un Nabi, Muzammil, Adeel Rather and Mufti Irfan.

Investigators said the group held a clandestine meeting in Srinagar in June 2022, during which AGuH Interim was allegedly established.

The agency further alleged that Muzafar helped manufacture, test and store triacetone triperoxide (TATP)-based improvised explosive devices at a clandestine facility operated by co-conspirators in Faridabad, near New Delhi.

TATP, sometimes referred to as the “Mother of Satan” because of its instability, is a highly volatile homemade explosive that has been used in several militant attacks worldwide.

Authorities said a non-bailable warrant had been issued against Muzafar, who remains at large, and efforts to locate and arrest him were continuing.

The supplementary charge sheet also identifies Zameer Ahmad Ahanger as an alleged overground worker (OGW) for the militant module.

According to the NIA, Ahanger maintained contact with handlers and acted as a courier for arms, ammunition and cash intended for members of the organisation.

Investigators allege that another accused, Tufail Ahmad Bhat, previously associated with the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), served as the module’s principal arms supplier.

The agency said Bhat procured an AK-47 assault rifle, a Krinkov rifle, a pistol, magazines and ammunition through clandestine “dead drop” deliveries organised by a handler before supplying the weapons to Umer Un Nabi for 300,000 rupees ($3,500).

The NIA said the latest findings emerged from what it described as a multi-disciplinary investigation involving forensic analysis, geo-location mapping, examination of digital evidence and financial-trail investigations.

Officials said investigators had reconstructed the alleged conspiracy through technical surveillance and extensive analysis of communications among the accused.

The agency did not disclose whether additional arrests were imminent but said investigations into the wider network remained ongoing.

The Red Fort bombing significantly heightened security concerns in India’s capital and prompted intelligence agencies to intensify surveillance of suspected militant networks operating across northern India.

The NIA, India’s principal federal counter-terrorism agency, has since pursued what it describes as a broader investigation into the organisational structure, financing, recruitment and logistical support networks linked to the alleged module.

The agency said further investigation into the conspiracy is continuing.