Red Fort Blast Probe Points to ‘Shoe Bomber’ Tactic by Dr Umar un Nabi.
A major breakthrough has emerged in the investigation into the deadly Red Fort blast, with sources indicating that Jaish-linked suicide bomber Dr Umar un Nabi may have used a “shoe bomber” technique to trigger the explosion that killed 12 people and injured several others.
Forensic teams recovered a shoe from beneath the driver’s seat of Umar’s i20, near the front right tyre. Inside the shoe, investigators found a metal-like substance believed to have acted as an initiation mechanism. Traces of the highly volatile explosive TATP — dubbed the “mother of Satan” for its extreme sensitivity — were detected on both the shoe and the tyre, suggesting that Umar may have concealed the triggering device in his footwear.
The blast also involved ammonium nitrate, and evidence recovered from the rear seat indicates the presence of additional explosives. Investigators have confirmed that Jaish operatives had stockpiled significant quantities of TATP for a large-scale attack.
The probe has drawn parallels with the December 2001 case of Richard Reid, the infamous “shoe bomber” who attempted to detonate TATP hidden in his shoes aboard an American Airlines flight. Officials say the placement and pattern of explosives in Umar’s car bear striking similarities to Reid’s method.
The investigation has also revealed that Rs 20 lakh was funneled to the terror module through arrested doctor Shaheen, who allegedly facilitated the funding for the Delhi blast.
Sources further said the Jaish module had planned twin attacks under the codename ‘D-6’. Plan A involved coordinated strikes in multiple cities on the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition, which was foiled, while Plan B was carried out in Delhi.
The probe is ongoing as agencies continue to reconstruct the exact mechanism used in the devastating attack.
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