Encrypted communication and a detailed trail of weapon movement have revealed a structured inner circle within the terror module linked to Dr. Umar Muhammad, the driver of the i20 car that exploded near Delhi&rsquo;s Red Fort, killing at least 13 people and injuring several others, investigators have said.
According to officials, Umar created an encrypted Signal group nearly three months ago, using a name with special characters to evade monitoring. 
He reportedly added Muzammil, Adil Rather, Muzaffar Rather and Maulvi Irfan Ahmad Waghe to the channel, which operated as the core platform for coordination.
A key breakthrough in the probe came after an assault rifle and a pistol were recovered from the vehicle of Dr. Shaheen Shahid. 
Investigators believe Umar had obtained the weapons and handed them to Irfan sometime in 2024. 
Shaheen had previously seen the same weapons in Irfan&rsquo;s room during a visit with Muzammil and is suspected to have contributed the largest share of funds supporting the group.
Initial findings indicate a defined hierarchy within the module. 
Financial operations were primarily supported by the three doctors, with Muzammil playing a critical role.&nbsp;
Recruitment of Kashmiri youths was largely overseen by Irfan, who is believed to have facilitated the induction of two arrested recruits, Arif Nisar Dar alias Sahil and Yasir ul Ashraf.
Investigators have also traced the movement of weapons over the past year. 
In October 2023, Adil and Umar visited Irfan at Masjid Ali, carrying a rifle concealed in a bag, and later left after cleaning its barrel. 
A month later, Adil again brought a rifle to Irfan&rsquo;s residence, where Muzammil and Shaheen were also present. 
The weapon was reportedly kept with Irfan before Adil retrieved it the following morning.
The evidence suggests the presence of a coordinated network operating through encrypted channels, supported by systematic fundraising, targeted recruitment and controlled movement of arms.
The module is linked to the Faridabad terror network uncovered on November 9, when police seized 2,900 kg of explosives and ammunition from rooms rented by Muzammil, a doctor affiliated with Al Falah University.
Umar, also associated with Al Falah University, was driving the vehicle that exploded near the Red Fort on November 10, triggering an extensive investigation. 
Authorities have intensified efforts to identify and apprehend all individuals connected to the module.
Further investigation is ongoing.
&mdash;IANS

A forensic team and police personnel inspecting debris near Delhi’s Red Fort after the i20 car explosion, with barricades, security tape and damaged vehicle parts visible at the scene

Encrypted chats and weapon trail uncover a tightly coordinated Delhi terror module

Encrypted Chats, Arms Trail Expose Delhi Module

Encrypted chats and weapon trail uncover a tightly coordinated Delhi terror module

November 17, 2025 | 21:59 IST