The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has revealed fresh details about the planning and execution of last year’s Red Fort blast, with its chargesheet indicating that Lal Mandir in Chandni Chowk was allegedly the original target.
According to details from the chargesheet, accused bomber Umar-un-Nabi had reached the Lal Mandir area with an explosive-laden vehicle on November 10, 2025. CCTV footage reportedly showed him attempting to park near the temple at around 6:37 pm.
However, heavy traffic and the presence of police in the area allegedly prevented him from carrying out the planned attack there. He subsequently took a U-turn and drove towards the Red Fort area, where the explosion took place near Gate No. 4 at around 6:50 pm.
The NIA investigation has also established that the blast was not an accidental explosion. According to the agency's chargesheet, the bomber deliberately triggered the device using a command mechanism, indicating that the attack was planned and intentionally executed.
The chargesheet contains extensive evidence related to the conspiracy, including CCTV footage, digital material, witness statements and forensic findings. The NIA had earlier filed a 7,500-page chargesheet in the case and has continued filing supplementary chargesheets as the investigation progressed.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The revelation that the alleged target changed shortly before the attack gives investigators and security agencies fresh insight into the planning and movement of the accused.
The latest revelations provide investigators with a clearer picture of how the accused allegedly selected locations and adapted their plan shortly before the attack.
