Red Fort blast accused owned 2nd car, cops launch massive hunt for EcoSport DL10CK0458

The car-bombing investigation at the Red Fort is gathering new momentum after agencies were tipped off that the primary accused in the case, who blew himself up in the attack, had a second vehicle – a red Ford EcoSport car with a Delhi registration number DL10CK0458.

Officials have now asked for the car to be traced. Sources said the suspect, Dr. Umar Mohammad (alias Umar Un Nabi), had registered the EcoSport with the Rajouri Garden RTO in Delhi on November 22, 2017.

The Delhi Police, along with police teams in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, have asked for all red Ford EcoSport cars to be intercepted at traffic or state borders. Their registration number must be checked, with police pickets and patrol teams asked to stand at full attention and be fully armed if they spot DL10CK0458.

Officers have also been told to immediately report the sighting to the nearest police station or authority, and follow instructions to apprehend the vehicle and deal with it “lawfully and cooperatively” without delay. “All staff on patrol or picket duty are instructed to stay outside and be fully armed. They have been asked to report any sightings immediately to the authorities and follow police instructions to arrest the vehicle and deal with it lawfully and cooperate fully,” a senior police official said.

The brief marks an escalation in the investigation into the blast that left four people dead and many injured in the breach, one of the most serious terror-linked attacks in Delhi in recent years.

The probe had largely revolved around a white Hyundai i20 which Dr. Umar Un Nabi had used to the blast site near the Red Fort and then detonated himself, but the new information on a possible second car has led to new lines of inquiry into any role it may have had in support, logistics or facilitating the primary suspect’s movements.

Sources said investigators were examining how Dr. Umar’s other car may have been transferred or stored and used, or if there are any discrepancies in its travel that suggest a driver, acquaintance, or other person also used it following the registration. Its last known location and movements may also be sought.

The police have appealed to the public to “exercise vigilance” and help in tracing the vehicle. If a red Ford Eco Sport is spotted, especially one that may match DL10CK0458, the nearest police station or traffic authorities must be notified immediately. This will allow the vehicle to be traced by the police forces in Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, which have been asked to coordinate their movement.

The development comes a day after agencies scrambled to intercept the white Hyundai i20 and on the third day of the investigation into the blast and seizure of several key items of evidence including the suspected explosives.

The car-trace bulletin may now focus on how a second car was kept and used before, during and after the blast and if any other people apart from the main suspect had access to or knowledge of its use or travel.