Investigators have revealed that the terror module behind the car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort had drawn up plans for a far broader and more provocative attack, with officials saying the group intended to target outlets of a well-known global coffee chain in Delhi and other major cities. The idea, according to sources familiar with the probe, was to carry out highly visible strikes that would generate maximum political, psychological and media impact.
Officials said the plan was driven largely by Umar-un-Nabi, identified as the key operative who died in the blast. He allegedly argued that attacks limited to conflict zones would not attract sufficient attention, and instead pushed for operations in prominent urban centres. Targeting a popular international coffee brand was seen by the group as a way to symbolically link their actions to global politics, as they believed the company represented Jewish influence due to its leadership history during its period of global expansion.
This line of inquiry emerged during prolonged questioning of eight accused individuals, including three medical professionals from Jammu and Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh. During interrogation, investigators learned that the group itself was divided over the choice of targets. Several members reportedly opposed attacking civilian locations and insisted that any violent action should be confined to security forces within Jammu and Kashmir. Umar-un-Nabi, however, is said to have overridden these objections, arguing that strikes in cities like Delhi would magnify the shock value and internationalise their message.
Officials believe the group viewed attacks on crowded commercial spaces as a means to draw attention to global issues, particularly the conflict in Gaza, which they cited repeatedly during discussions. By choosing familiar public locations, they hoped to provoke fear, disrupt daily life and force wider political attention to their narrative.
The investigation also uncovered the involvement of a technical operative arrested days after the blast, who was allegedly recruited to help modify drones into weapons and explore the possibility of coordinated, Hamas-style attacks across multiple cities. During questioning, he reportedly disclosed that Umar-un-Nabi initially tried to persuade him to carry out a suicide bombing. Although he resisted, he later agreed to assist the group in a supporting role.
Security agencies further believe the module had ideological links with banned terror outfits and was influenced by propaganda attempting to merge local grievances with global conflicts. Umar-un-Nabi was reportedly keen on executing a major strike around early December to coincide with a politically sensitive anniversary, believing the timing would further amplify the impact.
The Red Fort car blast itself came after weeks of intelligence gathering by Jammu and Kashmir Police into what officials described as a “white-collar terror module” with suspected links to banned organisations. The investigation was triggered by the recovery of extremist propaganda material in Srinagar, which led agencies to intensify surveillance and eventually uncover the network.
The case has since been handed over to the National Investigation Agency, which has so far arrested nine individuals, including three doctors. Investigators are now examining whether the plan to attack coffee chain outlets progressed beyond internal discussions, including whether any reconnaissance was carried out or specific locations were shortlisted. The probe remains ongoing, with agencies continuing to piece together the full scope of the conspiracy.
