Red Fort Blast Case: Delhi Court Allows NIA to Cremate Victims’ Remains After Completion of Forensic Examination
A Delhi court has permitted the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to cremate or otherwise dispose of the mortal remains of 11 victims killed in the devastating Red Fort car bomb explosion of November 2025, marking a significant procedural step in the ongoing terror investigation. The agency had sought judicial approval after informing the court that all necessary forensic examinations had been completed and the biological remains had begun decomposing.
Special Judge Pitambar Dutt of the Patiala House Courts also authorised the disposal of the remains of Dr. Umer Un Nabi, the alleged suicide bomber who was driving the explosives-laden vehicle at the time of the blast. While allowing the plea, the court directed that all biological remains be disposed of with full dignity and in accordance with the religious beliefs of the deceased, and asked the NIA to file a compliance report after carrying out the process.
The NIA informed the court that forensic experts had completed DNA profiling and other scientific examinations on the recovered body parts, which had been preserved as crucial evidence during the investigation. Since the evidentiary process had concluded, the agency submitted that continued storage of the remains was no longer necessary and sought permission for their respectful cremation or disposal.
The order comes amid continuing proceedings in one of India’s most significant terror investigations in recent years. In May, the NIA filed a 7,500-page chargesheet, followed by a supplementary chargesheet naming additional accused. According to the agency, a total of 13 persons, including the deceased suicide bomber, have now been chargesheeted for their alleged roles in the conspiracy behind the high-intensity IED blast near the Red Fort that claimed 11 civilian lives and injured several others.
Investigators have alleged that the attack was orchestrated by a larger terror module operating through multiple associates, with evidence pointing to meticulous planning, logistical support, and radicalisation of the accused. The prosecution has invoked provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Explosive Substances Act, and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) as it continues to build its case against the surviving accused.
While the court’s latest order does not affect the merits of the criminal trial, it enables the dignified last rites of the victims after completion of the forensic process. The NIA’s prosecution against the accused is expected to proceed before the Special Court, with further hearings focusing on the framing of charges and the commencement of trial.
