New Delhi: A high‑intensity blast near the Red Fort Metro Station on Monday evening has left the capital on edge. The explosion, which tore through a Hyundai i20 parked near Gate No. 1 around 6:50 PM, killed at least nine people and injured over twenty. Several vehicles nearby caught fire as the force of the blast shattered windows and sent debris flying across Subhash Marg.
Police sources confirmed that the case has been registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Explosives Act, with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and National Security Guard (NSG) joining Delhi Police in a coordinated probe.
What Happened
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a deafening explosion just as the traffic light turned red. The Hyundai i20 was completely gutted, and at least six other cars, two e‑rickshaws, and an auto‑rickshaw were engulfed in flames. Rescue teams rushed the injured to Lok Nayak and LNJP Hospitals, while forensic experts collected samples suspected to contain traces of ammonium nitrate mixed with fuel oil—commonly known as ANFO, a powerful industrial explosive.
Authorities said the magnitude and design of the blast point toward a well‑planned operation rather than an accidental ignition.
CCTV Evidence and Suspect Identification
Investigators analyzing CCTV footage from around the site have found critical leads. Preliminary visuals show the Hyundai i20 entering a nearby parking space around 3:19 PM and leaving shortly before the blast. Police believe the car was driven by a man identified as Dr. Mohammad Umar, a suspect linked to a recently dismantled terror module in Faridabad.
Sources indicated that Umar could be the same individual whose charred remains were discovered inside the vehicle. DNA testing is underway to confirm this. Officials, however, have not yet publicly confirmed any definitive terrorist group involvement or released verified footage from external locations such as petrol pumps, though over 100 CCTV clips from surrounding areas and toll points are being reviewed.
Links to Faridabad Terror Module
Just days before the explosion, central agencies and state police forces from Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh uncovered a major terror module in Faridabad, arresting eight individuals—including three doctors—and seizing nearly 2,900 kg of explosive material from a rented flat.
Investigators are exploring whether Dr. Umar, an alleged associate of the group, carried out the Red Fort attack in retaliation for the arrests, though this theory remains under verification.
Ongoing Probe and Security Measures
Security across Delhi and the NCR remains on high alert, with intensified checks at metro stations, railway terminals, and border points. Multiple late‑night raids have led to the detention of four individuals believed to have indirect links to the case.
Police have also traced the car’s registration to a Gurugram resident identified as Md. Salman, who told investigators he sold the vehicle months ago. Authorities are now mapping the ownership chain to determine how the car reached the suspects.
As forensic teams finalize reports and intelligence units piece together the timeline, officials stressed that no group has claimed responsibility yet. The investigation continues under close coordination between Delhi Police, NIA, and NSG.
