The “white-collar” terror module involved in the recent suicide car-bomb attack in Delhi had been preparing to modify drones into lethal weapons and attempting to build rockets in the lead-up to the 10 November blast near the Red Fort, says the investigators.

According to officials, the group’s plans echo tactics used by Hamas in its 7 October 2023 assault on Israel, during which weaponised drones played a central role in causing disruption and destruction.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) uncovered the widening threat after arresting a second suspect believed to have assisted the suicide bomber, Umar Un Nabi.

Jasir Bilal Wani, also known as Danish, was detained in Srinagar by an NIA team. Like the first accused, Amir Rashid Ali — arrested in Delhi the previous day — Wani is originally from Jammu and Kashmir.

The NIA said Wani had provided technical expertise to the module, working on drone modifications and attempting to develop rockets ahead of the deadly attack. He is alleged to have been an active co-conspirator supporting the suicide bomber.

According to NDTV,  Wani had tried to construct high-capacity drones fitted with larger batteries capable of carrying heavier explosive payloads along with cameras. He is believed to have prior experience creating small weaponised drones.

The group allegedly planned to fly an armed drone over a densely populated area to inflict maximum casualties — a tactic seen in conflicts involving Hamas and various factions in war-torn Syria.

As drone-based attacks become a more widely recognised threat, many countries have bolstered their counter-drone capabilities. India, too, has been significantly expanding both its drone strike and anti-drone units in response.