'How to Become an Assassin' to 'Lone Mujahid' Pocket Book: NIA chargesheet reveals how extremist literature was used to plot Red Fort blast

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has alleged in its chargesheet in the 2025 Red Fort blast case that members of the accused terror module accessed and circulated extremist literature, including the Lone Mujahid Pocket Book, also referred to as How to Become an Assassin.

According to the agency, the document was linked to Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and allegedly contained operational material relating to explosives, weapons, covert activities and improvised explosive devices. The chargesheet forms part of the investigation into the car blast near Delhi’s Red Fort on November 10, 2025, which killed 11 people and injured 29 others.

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What is the Lone Mujahid Pocket Book mentioned in the NIA chargesheet?

The NIA chargesheet refers to the Lone Mujahid Pocket Book/How to Become an Assassin as part of a collection of extremist material allegedly accessed and circulated by members of the terror module.

According to the agency, the manual contained information relating to explosives, weapons and clandestine operations. It allegedly included material on combat, surveillance, concealment, escape and other covert techniques, as well as references to improvised explosive mechanisms and remote-controlled devices.

NIA alleges extremist literature was used to promote radicalisation

Investigators have alleged that the manual was among a wider body of extremist literature and propaganda recovered during the investigation. The NIA has claimed that the material was used to promote violent extremist ideology and encourage participation in terrorist activities.

Other documents referred to in the chargesheet include titles such as Definition of Jihad, The Requirements of Jihad, The 21 Aims and Objectives of Jihad, 39 Ways to Serve and Participate in Jihad and 44 Ways to Support Jihad. According to the agency, the literature sought to justify armed violence and promote extremist activities.

Who was Umer Un Nabi in the Red Fort blast case?

The chargesheet identifies Umer Un Nabi, also known as Pinda and Rahul Bhat, as the alleged mastermind and “operational in-charge” of a revived Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGuH) module.

According to the NIA, Nabi allegedly played a central role in reviving the dormant module and organising its activities across Jammu and Kashmir and the Delhi-NCR region. Investigators have described AGuH Interim as a revived manifestation of Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind associated with the ideology of Al-Qaida in the Indian Sub-continent.

The agency has alleged that efforts to revive the module began in early 2022 and that Nabi was involved in radicalising other members and circulating extremist propaganda, including material glorifying “Shahadat”, or martyrdom.

NIA alleges terror module held secret meetings and used encrypted platforms

According to the chargesheet, members of the alleged module held clandestine meetings in Jammu and Kashmir and Delhi-NCR as part of the wider conspiracy.

The accused were also allegedly in regular contact through encrypted messaging platforms, including Signal. The NIA has claimed that encrypted communication was used to coordinate activities among members of the group.

Investigators have further alleged that members of the module were involved in arranging finances, procuring illegal weapons and securing locations for their activities. The chargesheet also refers to Nabi’s alleged plan to travel to Afghanistan for “Hijrat”.

How was the car used in the Red Fort blast?

According to the NIA, the car involved in the November 10, 2025 explosion was allegedly used as a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED).

The agency has alleged that Nabi was inside the vehicle when it exploded. DNA examination of biological material recovered from the blast site allegedly confirmed his identity, according to the investigation.

The chargesheet states that forensic examination of material recovered after the blast detected explosive residues, including TATP and ammonium nitrate. The NIA has also relied on vehicle debris and other material from the scene to support its claim that the vehicle had been used as a VBIED.

Red Fort blast forensic findings cited by NIA

According to the agency's case, the forensic evidence suggested that the explosive device was initiated from inside the vehicle through a command mechanism. The blast took place at around 6:50 pm near the Red Fort and caused extensive damage to nearby property and vehicles.

The NIA has alleged that the attack was the outcome of a wider conspiracy involving the revival of the AGuH module, the radicalisation of recruits, the circulation of extremist literature and preparations for carrying out terrorist attacks.

What happens to proceedings against Umer Un Nabi?

Since Nabi died in the explosion, proceedings against him have been abated. However, the chargesheet records the NIA's findings regarding his alleged role in the wider conspiracy.

Inputs from ANI