Investigation – Delhi Court Clears Dignified Disposal of Red Fort Blast Victims’ Remains
Investigation –A Delhi court has granted permission to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to carry out the cremation or lawful disposal of the mortal remains of victims recovered after last year’s devastating Red Fort car bomb attack, following the completion of forensic examinations.
A Delhi court on Monday permitted the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to dispose of the biological remains of 11 people who died in the deadly car bomb explosion near the Red Fort in November last year. The order also covers the remains of the suspected suicide bomber who allegedly drove the explosives-laden vehicle into the attack site. The court directed the agency to ensure that the final rites are performed with dignity while respecting the religious beliefs associated with each victim.
Court Orders Respectful Disposal After Forensic Examination
Special Judge Pitambar Dutt instructed the NIA to complete the disposal process only after confirming that all necessary forensic procedures had been concluded. The court also directed the agency to submit a compliance report after carrying out the order.
During the hearing, the NIA informed the court that forensic experts had already collected and preserved all required scientific evidence from the recovered body parts of the deceased, including those identified as belonging to Dr. Umer Un Nabi. The agency stated that the remains had begun to decompose, making their continued preservation impractical and necessitating judicial approval for their disposal.
Investigation Points to Alleged Suicide Bomber
According to the NIA, Dr. Umer Un Nabi was allegedly behind the execution of the November 10 attack and was driving the vehicle carrying the improvised explosive device (IED) when it detonated outside the Red Fort. Investigators said forensic findings established his identity as the driver of the explosives-filled car.
The agency has identified Nabi as a resident of Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district who served as an assistant professor in the Department of General Medicine at Al Falah University in Faridabad. The explosion claimed 15 lives and left more than two dozen people injured, making it one of the most serious terror incidents in the national capital in recent years.
Extensive Chargesheet Filed in Blast Case
The investigation has progressed significantly, with the NIA filing a chargesheet exceeding 7,500 pages. The document names 13 accused individuals in connection with the conspiracy and execution of the high-intensity IED blast.
Officials have maintained that the investigation relied on forensic evidence, witness testimonies and other material collected during the probe to establish the sequence of events surrounding the attack.
Interim Bail Plea Heard in Connected Matter
In a related legal development, Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, chairman of Al Falah University, approached the Delhi High Court seeking interim bail. His counsel informed the court that the request was based on the need to care for his wife, who is undergoing cancer treatment.
The petitioner also expressed willingness to comply with strict conditions, including wearing a GPS tracking device if granted temporary relief. After hearing the submissions, the High Court reserved its decision on the interim bail application.
Separate Courts Deliver Orders in Other Cases
In another case heard on Monday, a special court dismissed proceedings against former Rajya Sabha member Vijay Darda, his son Devendra Darda and others in connection with alleged irregularities linked to the allocation of Maharashtra’s Bander coal block.
Separately, a Delhi court rejected the bail application of Vijay Gupta, founder-editor of a Jammu-based news organisation. Gupta was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on allegations that he impersonated a senior official from the Prime Minister’s Office and allegedly cheated people of more than ₹4 crore by promising to secure official work. The court held that he did not meet the legal requirements necessary for the grant of bail.