Delhi blast: Police collect DNA samples from suspect’s mother in J-K

Police in Pulwama collected DNA samples from the mother of Dr Umar Nabi, suspected to have driven the car that exploded near Delhi’s Red Fort, killing 12. The NIA has taken over the probe as family members deny terror links

Srinagar: Police on Tuesday took the mother of the man who was suspected to be driving the car that exploded near the Red Fort for a DNA test in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

“We have taken the mother of the suspect to collect DNA samples to match with the parts found at the scene of the blast,” an official said here. Dr Umar Nabi was allegedly driving the Hyundai i20 car that was used in the blast near the parking area of the Red Fort Metro Station on Monday, killing at least 12 people. He hails from Koil village in Pulwama, they said.

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Two brothers of the suspect accompanied their mother, Shameema Begum, to the hospital for the test. The officials said three persons — who were linked to the sale and purchase of the car involved in the blast — have been detained for questioning.

Umar Nabi’s sister-in-law, Muzamil, said the family cannot believe that he could be involved in terrorist activities. She said her brother-in-law was an introvert right from his childhood, did not have many friends, and used to focus on his studies and work.

“He was working as a faculty member at a college in Faridabad. He called on Friday, saying he is busy with examinations and will return home after three days. He was a reserved kind of person right from childhood,” Muzamil said.

She insisted that Umar was not the kind of person to get involved in terrorist activities. “We struggled a lot to ensure he gets educated so that he can take care of himself and the family. This is unbelievable,” she added.

Umar had last visited Kashmir two months ago, Muzamil said. Preliminary findings by Delhi Police suggest ammonium nitrate, fuel oil, and detonators may have been used in the blast, linking it to the terror module uncovered in Faridabad, where 2,900 kg of explosive materials and inflammables were seized. “Final reports are awaited,” the source added.

Police registered an FIR under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Explosives Act under sections that deal withthe punishment and conspiracy of a terror attack. The MHA has now handed over the investigation to the NIA.