The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a comprehensive chargesheet detailing the planning and execution of the vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) attack that occurred near the Red Fort in New Delhi on November 10, 2025. The investigation reveals that the perpetrator, identified as Umar Un Nabi, initially intended to strike the Lal Mandir, a prominent Jain temple in Chandni Chowk, before heavy traffic and a visible police presence forced him to alter his route. CCTV footage captured Nabi attempting to park his explosives-laden i20 car near the temple at 6:37 pm, shortly before he performed a U-turn and proceeded toward the Red Fort, where he detonated the device at 6:50 pm.
The attack resulted in the deaths of 11 people and left 29 others injured, marking a significant security incident in the national capital. Authorities have assessed the damage to surrounding infrastructure, including assets managed by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, the Archaeological Survey of India, and the Public Works Department, at approximately Rs 17.7 lakh. The NIA's investigation has provided a granular account of the bomber's movements, his radicalization, and the technical methods used to construct the explosive device, which investigators believe was the first of its kind in the city.
Forensic Evidence and Bomb Construction
The NIA chargesheet highlights a sophisticated and unconventional approach to bomb-making employed by Nabi. Forensic analysis of a metal piece found near the heel of a shoe at the blast site tested positive for triacetone triperoxide (TATP), potassium, and ammonium nitrate. This evidence, combined with a remote command mechanism fitted into the bomber's footwear, suggests a high level of technical planning. The agency also linked the materials to a module previously identified in a blast in Nowgam, Jammu and Kashmir, confirming a broader operational network.
Investigators discovered that Nabi utilized urea nitrate to construct the explosives, with an alternative method involving the extraction of urea from human urine. Witnesses reported that Nabi, who lived in a rented room in Nuh for 11 days prior to the attack, kept his living space extremely cold and stored urine in plastic bags, creating a persistent foul odor. The chargesheet notes that the module followed instructions from the Lone Mujahid Pocket Book, a manual affiliated with Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, which provided detailed guidance on TATP synthesis and remote-control detonation.
Reconnaissance and Operational Planning
Beyond the immediate preparations, the NIA investigation uncovered a long-term reconnaissance effort. Records indicate that Nabi visited the Red Fort 12 times between 2023 and 2025, with his final visit occurring on May 1, 2025, six months before the attack. The agency concluded that these trips were not for tourism but were calculated efforts to map the area and identify vulnerabilities. During these visits, Nabi and his associates reportedly turned off their mobile phones to evade digital surveillance and conceal their movement patterns.
During his stay in Nuh, Nabi maintained a low profile while finalizing his plans. Witnesses observed him purchasing new clothing, including a t-shirt, a white shirt, and cargo pants, using cash to avoid leaving a digital trail. On October 30, 2025, as police pressure mounted following raids in Jammu and Kashmir, Nabi met an acquaintance behind Al Falah hospital to hand over his room key and retrieve his shoes, which were already rigged with the detonation mechanism. This interaction serves as a critical piece of evidence in establishing his intent and the timeline of the final preparations.
The Role of Traffic in Altering Targets
The shift in target from the Lal Mandir to the Red Fort is a central finding in the NIA's reconstruction of the event. The agency's mapping of the bomber's final minutes indicates that the decision to move toward the Red Fort was a reactive measure rather than the original plan. The presence of heavy traffic and police personnel near the Chandni Chowk temple effectively disrupted the initial objective, forcing the bomber to seek an alternative location in the immediate vicinity.
This last-minute deviation underscores the volatility of the attack and the role of urban congestion in shaping the outcome of the incident. The NIA has utilized witness statements, forensic reports, and digital evidence to build a case that links the specific actions of the bomber to a wider conspiracy. The chargesheet serves as the primary legal document outlining the module's activities, the procurement of materials, and the final sequence of events that led to the tragedy on November 10.
Next Procedural Steps and Accountability
The filing of the chargesheet marks a significant milestone in the judicial process, providing the court with a detailed account of the evidence collected by the NIA. The document includes post-mortem reports confirming the cause of death for the 11 victims as high-intensity blast wave effects. The investigation has also accounted for the financial and structural damage caused by the explosion, providing a comprehensive overview of the incident's impact.
As the case proceeds, the focus will shift to the trial phase, where the evidence presented in the chargesheet will be tested in court. The NIA continues to investigate the broader network associated with the module, including the associates who provided shelter and logistical support in Nuh. No further hearings or specific procedural deadlines were disclosed in the current reporting, but the chargesheet remains the foundational document for the ongoing prosecution of the individuals involved in the conspiracy.
