A massive car explosion near Delhi's Red Fort has prompted a high-level investigation, with preliminary assessments suggesting the possible use of military-grade explosives. The blast, which occurred on Monday evening around 6:50 pm near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station, has claimed the lives of 13 people and left over 30 injured. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the probe, indicating the incident is being treated as a suspected act of terror.
Forensic teams are working to determine the exact nature of the explosives used. Approximately 42 exhibits, including car parts, the chassis, CNG cylinder, and other residues, have been collected from the site for laboratory testing. Swab samples have also been taken from all exhibits to analyze the composition of the explosive.
Initial assessments point towards the use of high-grade military explosives, given the scale of the damage and casualties. Investigators are exploring the possibility that the explosives may have been Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), Semtex, or RDX. The potential use of ammonium nitrate fuel oil and detonators is also being investigated. Sources within the security establishment have indicated that traces of ammonium nitrate have been found at the site. The investigators are also focusing on the links of the suspected car driver, Umar Nabi from Pulwama.
The intensity of the blast suggests a sophisticated detonation system was in place. Investigators are considering the possibility that a watch and its small button batteries may have been used to build the circuit and trigger the bomb. However, authorities have not yet found concrete evidence of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), such as wires, timer devices, or shrapnel.
The incident is potentially linked to a recently uncovered terror module in Faridabad, where a large quantity of explosive materials was seized. According to police sources, 360 kg of a haul of 2,900 kg of explosive material, suspected to be ammonium nitrate, was seized in Faridabad. Authorities are exploring whether the explosive used in the blast was part of this haul.
Following the blast, security has been heightened across Delhi and neighboring states. The Red Fort will remain closed to visitors for three days to allow for a thorough investigation. The Lal Qila Metro Station has also been temporarily shut, and the Chandni Chowk market is closed as authorities review security measures.
The Delhi Police have registered a case under sections 16 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Explosives Act. Multiple teams have been deployed to scan CCTV footage from the vicinity of the Red Fort and adjoining routes. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the exact cause of the blast and identify those responsible.
