Red Fort blast: Probe points to accidental detonation amid terror crackdown
text_fields
New Delhi: Investigators probing the deadly blast near the Red Fort on Monday evening suspect the explosion was accidental, triggered during the hasty transport of an improperly assembled explosive device. The incident occurred hours after security agencies arrested eight individuals, including three doctors, and seized 2,900 kg of explosives linked to an inter-state terror module.
The blast, which claimed 12 lives, is now believed to have involved Umar Nabi, a doctor from Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, who was driving the i20 car at the time. Nabi, allegedly connected to the busted module, was reportedly fleeing after raids in Faridabad and Pulwama. Officials suggest panic may have led to the premature detonation.
A senior police officer said the device appeared to be a poorly constructed improvised explosive device (IED), limiting its impact. “The bomb was premature and not fully developed, thus limiting the impact. The explosion did not create a crater and no shrapnel or projectiles were found,” the officer noted.
The Delhi Police FIR categorised the incident as a terror attack under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The probe has now been transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) following a high-level review chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Among those arrested were Dr Muzammil Ganaie and Dr Shaheen Sayeed of Al-Falah University, Faridabad. Investigators allege Shaheen headed the women’s wing of Jaish-e-Mohammed in India. A Delhi Police team has since detained several individuals from the university and is reviewing CCTV footage.
Nabi, who repurchased the car on 29 October and updated its pollution certificate the same day, reportedly waited for hours in Sunehri Masjid parking lot, monitoring news of his associates’ arrests. His vehicle’s movements have been traced over an 11-hour period leading up to the blast, which occurred near the Red Fort police post.
The explosion propelled the car several feet and damaged the nearby police chowki. Forensic teams have collected 40 samples, including vehicle debris and human remains, for chemical analysis.
Preliminary findings suggest the use of ammonium nitrate, fuel oil, and detonators. The car was allegedly handed to Nabi by a man named Tariq, also from Pulwama, who is now in custody.
Security has been tightened across Delhi, with checks at entry points, airports, and transport hubs. Overnight raids were conducted in Daryaganj and Paharganj, and the Red Fort metro station remains closed. Of the 12 victims, seven have been identified.
A Reddit post hours before the blast had flagged an unusual security presence in the area. While no group has claimed responsibility, investigators suspect Jaish-e-Mohammed’s involvement and are exploring links to other outfits.