New Delhi/Srinagar: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday arrested the eighth suspect in connection with the November 10 car blast near Delhi’s Red Fort, marking a significant development in the ongoing terror investigation.
The agency detained Dr. Bilal Naseer Malla, a resident of Baramulla in Jammu & Kashmir, from the national capital. Officials stated that he played a central role in the conspiracy behind the explosion, which claimed 11 lives and injured several others.
According to an NIA spokesperson, preliminary findings indicate that Bilal knowingly provided shelter to Umar Un Nabi, the accused who later died in the blast. Investigators allege that Bilal not only offered him safe accommodation but also arranged logistical assistance to facilitate the planning and execution of the attack.
The agency further stated that after the incident, Bilal is believed to have destroyed crucial evidence linked to the blast, potentially hampering the early stages of the investigation.
Searches in South Kashmir
In a coordinated operation earlier in the day, NIA teams conducted searches at multiple locations in Anantnag and Kulgam districts. These raids were part of broader efforts to uncover additional leads and identify individuals who may have supported the conspiracy.
Officials said the searches yielded several electronic devices and documents that are now being examined for potential relevance to the case.
The November 10 explosion, triggered by a parked car near the historic Red Fort, has prompted nationwide concern and led to a multi-state investigation involving intelligence agencies and state police units.
The NIA has so far arrested eight individuals in connection with the attack, and officials indicated that more arrests may follow as the probe expands.
