New Delhi – A Delhi court has granted the National Investigation Agency crucial investigative time as the probe into the devastating Red Fort bombing deepens. In a significant development, 20-year-old Jasir Bilal Wani, identified as an alleged co-conspirator in the terror attack, has been remanded to NIA custody Red Fort blast investigation for ten days, marking another breakthrough in unraveling the complex terror network behind the incident.
Court Grants Extended Interrogation Period
The accused was produced before Principal Districts and Sessions Judge Anju Bajaj Chandna at Patiala House Courts on Tuesday amid heightened security arrangements led by paramilitary forces. The court’s decision to grant NIA custody Red Fort case investigators reflects the gravity of the allegations and the need for comprehensive questioning to establish the full extent of the conspiracy.
Wani’s appearance in court came just a day after he was formally arrested by Jammu and Kashmir police and handed over to the National Investigation Agency. The NIA secured his transit remand on Monday and immediately transported him to the national capital for further investigation.
Technical Expertise in Terror Planning
According to the National Investigation Agency, Wani’s role in the terror conspiracy was critical and technically sophisticated. The NIA custody Red Fort investigation revealed that Wani allegedly provided specialized technical support for carrying out terror attacks. His expertise reportedly included modifying drones for potential use in attacks and attempting to manufacture rockets ahead of the bomb blast that shook the national capital.
This technical dimension to the terror plot underscores the evolving nature of threats facing security agencies, with perpetrators increasingly leveraging modern technology for destructive purposes. The modification of drones for terror purposes represents a particularly concerning development in the tactics employed by extremist elements.
Educational Background and Initial Detention
Wani, a student at Government Degree College Levodara in Kulgam, Jammu and Kashmir, was initially picked up by state police from Qazigund in Anantnag district last week. The detention, which also involved his uncle, came as investigators widened their net to capture all individuals connected to the Red Fort bombing conspiracy.
The NIA custody Red Fort probe has now established connections between Wani and other key figures in the terror module, particularly doctors who allegedly formed the core of the conspiracy network. These connections are expected to be thoroughly explored during the ten-day interrogation period granted by the court.
Legal Representation and Proceedings
During the court proceedings, Wani was represented by a legal aid lawyer, ensuring his constitutional right to legal representation was protected. The National Investigation Agency was represented by Special Public Prosecutors Kushdeep Gaur and Anil Dabas, who presented the agency’s case for extended custody to facilitate comprehensive interrogation.
The NIA custody Red Fort case proceedings were conducted with appropriate security measures, reflecting both the high-profile nature of the case and potential security concerns surrounding the accused.
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Connection to Terror Module Doctors
Investigators have established that Wani was a neighbor of brothers Adil and Muzaffar Rather, two doctors allegedly integral to the terror module behind the Red Fort blast. This geographical proximity appears to have facilitated the conspiracy, with the NIA custody Red Fort investigation exploring how these relationships evolved into a coordinated terror plot.
While Muzaffar is currently believed to be in Afghanistan, his younger brother Adil was arrested from Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh. The Rather brothers’ involvement highlights the disturbing phenomenon of educated professionals being drawn into extremist activities, a pattern that has emerged repeatedly in this investigation.
Previous Arrest in the Case
The NIA custody Red Fort blast case had witnessed another significant arrest just a day earlier. On Monday, a Delhi court remanded Rashid Mir, the agency’s first arrest in the case, to 10 days in NIA custody. The agency claimed that Mir provided crucial logistical support to the main accused and purported suicide bomber Umar Nabi, who died in the blast.
According to the remand application, Mir assisted Nabi in obtaining the Hyundai i20 car that exploded on an arterial road near the historic Red Fort, as well as in procuring weapons. This logistical support network demonstrates the complexity of the conspiracy and the multiple layers of assistance required to execute the attack.
Tragic Family Consequences
The investigation has had devastating consequences for Wani’s family. His father, Bilal Ahmad Wani, set himself ablaze on Sunday following the detention of his son and brother for questioning on Saturday. The elder Wani succumbed to his injuries on Monday, adding a tragic dimension to the unfolding investigation.
Wani’s aunt Naseema defended her nephew and husband, stating: “He kept in touch with the doctor as he was a doctor and the family had no suspicion that he was doing something else. My husband and Jasir were picked up by police. My husband is innocent and should be released. We belong to a very simple family.”
Expanding Investigation Network
As the NIA custody Red Fort blast investigation continues, authorities are piecing together the full scope of the terror network. The ten-day custody period granted for Wani will allow investigators to question him extensively about his technical contributions, his relationships with other conspirators, and any additional planned attacks.
The technical nature of Wani’s alleged contributions—particularly drone modifications and rocket manufacturing attempts—suggests sophisticated planning and access to specialized knowledge. Investigators will likely focus on determining where Wani acquired these skills, who else may possess similar capabilities within the network, and whether additional attacks were being planned.
Implications for National Security
The NIA custody Red Fort case continues to reveal disturbing details about the organization and capabilities of domestic terror networks. The involvement of educated individuals, including students and doctors, in such conspiracies represents a significant challenge for security agencies. The ten-day interrogation period will be crucial in understanding the full extent of the conspiracy and preventing future attacks.
