SRINAGAR: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday carried out searches in south Kashmir’s Shopian district and adjoining areas of Pulwama in connection with the November 10, 2025 car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort, officials said.
The searches are part of the ongoing probe into what security agencies have described as a sophisticated “white-collar terror module” allegedly behind one of the deadliest attacks in the national capital in recent years.
Officials said the NIA brought the ninth accused in the case, Yasir Ahmad Dar, to the search locations after taking him from custody in Delhi. Dar, a resident of Shopian, was arrested on December 18, 2025 and is being questioned in connection with the blast that claimed at least 11 lives and left several others injured.
Investigators said Dar was in close contact with other key accused, including alleged suicide bomber Dr Umar-un-Nabi and cleric Mufti Irfan, and had an “active role” in the conspiracy.
Search teams raided multiple locations in Padpawan area of Shopian and Pampore in Pulwama based on leads provided by Dar. However, officials did not disclose details of any recoveries made during the operation. Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF personnel assisted the NIA during the searches.
The Red Fort blast probe has led investigators to an alleged “white-collar terror module” comprising highly educated individuals, including doctors, clerics and professionals, with suspected links to banned terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
Authorities said the network operated across Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, with its footprint extending to Al-Falah University in Faridabad, where several accused were reportedly employed. The investigation has also widened to include financial irregularities and suspected terror funding links.
Prior to Dar’s arrest, the NIA had taken eight other accused into custody, including doctors Muzammil Shakeel Ganai, Adeel Ahmed Rather and Shaheen Saeed, religious preacher Mufti Irfan, and others allegedly involved in logistics, storage of explosives and planning. Large quantities of explosives and bomb-making material were recovered during earlier multi-state raids, officials said.
The blast involved a Hyundai i20 car loaded with ammonium nitrate and other explosive substances, which detonated near Gate No.1 of the Red Fort Metro Station during evening rush hours. Preliminary investigations suggested it could be a suicide attack, with DNA evidence reportedly linking Dr Umar to the vehicle.
The NIA has sought custody extensions of key accused as it continues to build its charge sheet under stringent anti-terror laws. The investigation is ongoing with coordinated efforts between central and state agencies.
