Delhi Red Fort Blast: What Happened So Far
At least 13 people killed and several others injured after a powerful explosion ripped through a moving car outside Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station in Delhi on Monday evening. The explosion, which occurred near one of the capital’s busiest heritage zones, has prompted a massive multi-agency investigation and heightened security alerts across several states.
Following the blast, the Red Fort Metro Station shut down, and the Red Fort monument has closed to visitors for three days as forensic teams and anti-terror agencies continue their probe.
Agencies Investigating the Red Fort Explosion
The probe into the deadly explosion is being jointly conducted by the Delhi Police, National Investigation Agency (NIA), National Security Guard (NSG), and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL).
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that all angles — including terror links — are being investigated and that no possibility has been ruled out. He will chair a high-level security review meeting at Kartavya Bhawan at 11 AM on Tuesday, attended by the Union Home Secretary, Director of Intelligence Bureau, Delhi Police Commissioner, and DG NIA. The DGP of Jammu and Kashmir will join virtually.
States on High Alert
In the wake of the explosion, multiple states — including Karnataka, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir — have been placed on high alert to prevent any coordinated terror activity.
Suspect and Car Details used in Delhi Red Fort Blast
Investigators have identified the car involved in the explosion as a white Hyundai i20, which was linked to a Kashmir-based doctor, Dr. Umar Un Nabi, from Pulwama.
Sources said the doctor was in contact with two other doctors from Jammu and Kashmir — both recently arrested in connection with the Faridabad explosive haul case, where over 350 kilograms of explosives seized.
Police suspect Dr. Umar was alone in the car when it exploded near a traffic signal close to Red Fort. CCTV footage reviewed by investigators shows a man wearing a black mask exiting the parking lot moments before the explosion.
Timeline of Events Before the Explosion
- 08:04 AM: Car entered Delhi from the Badarpur toll booth
- 08:20 AM: Car spotted at a petrol pump near Okhla Industrial Area
- 03:19 PM: Car entered a parking area adjacent to Red Fort
- 06:22 PM: Car exited the Red Fort parking area
- 06:52 PM: Car exploded near Red Fort Metro Station
Explosives Used in Delhi Blast
Preliminary forensic examination suggests that the explosives contained ammonium nitrate, fuel oil, and detonators, indicating a highly coordinated and planned detonation. However, officials have clarified that RDX was not used in the explosion.
The Delhi Police Special Cell has registered a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Explosives Act, and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Kotwali Police Station.
Human Remains and Crime Scene Investigation
According to DCP North Raja Banthia, investigators recovered body parts inside the vehicle, which believed to belong to the driver — suspected to be Dr. Umar. Teams from NSG, Delhi Police, and FSL are conducting a detailed forensic reconstruction of the blast site.
Fake News Alerts Debunked by PIB
Amid the flurry of social media speculation, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check has debunked multiple fake news claims, including one alleging that the blast caused by a CNG explosion.
“Some social media accounts are claiming that Special CP (Law & Order) Ravindra Yadav confirmed the blast was due to a CNG explosion. This claim is false,” PIB clarified.
Detentions in Jammu and Kashmir in connection of Delhi blast
Six individuals have detained in Jammu and Kashmir for questioning in connection with the blast. Those detained include:
- Ashiq Ahmed – Brother of main suspect Umar
- Zahoor Ahmed – Brother of Umar
- Shameema Bano – Mother of Umar
- Amir Rashid Mir – Plumber
- Umer Rashid Mir – Government employee
- Tariq Malik – Bank security guard
All six currently interrogated by security agencies to trace the extent of the network and uncover possible accomplices.
Broader Terror Module Connection
Investigators suspect the Red Fort blast could be linked to the recently busted Faridabad–Pulwama terror module, in which multiple doctors and professionals arrested for storing massive quantities of explosives. The agencies believe that the same group may have supplied or planned the Delhi attack, signaling an alarming expansion of radicalized sleeper cells across India.
Also read: Kashmiri Doctor Arrested in Faridabad with 360 Kg Explosives, Arms & Ammo
Ongoing Investigation
Officials have described the Red Fort explosion as one of the most serious terror incidents in Delhi in recent years. With the involvement of highly educated individuals, including doctors, the probe highlights the growing threat of radicalisation among professionals.
The investigation remains ongoing, with multiple arrests expected in the coming days as forensic evidence and digital trails analysed.
Key Points: Delhi Red Fort Blast Investigation
- 13 people killed, several injured after a blast inside a moving car near Red Fort Metro Station, Delhi, on Monday evening.
- Red Fort Metro Station closed and Red Fort sealed for 3 days as probe teams investigate the scene.
- The car, a white Hyundai i20, traced to Dr. Umar Un Nabi, a doctor from Pulwama, J&K, linked to a terror module busted in Faridabad.
- Agencies involved: Delhi Police, NIA, NSG, and FSL — investigating terror and explosive material links.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah to chair a high-level security review meeting with top officials from Delhi Police, NIA, IB, and J&K Police.
- States on high alert: Karnataka, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir.
- Explosives used: Ammonium nitrate, fuel oil, and detonators — no RDX found, say sources.
- Six people detained in Jammu and Kashmir — including Umar’s mother, two brothers, and three associates.
