Delhi Red Fort Blast: What We Know So Far About the Deadly Explosion

The national capital continues to remain on high alert following the powerful explosion near Delhi’s iconic Red Fort on Monday evening. The blast, which occurred close to the Red Fort Metro Station, has claimed at least ten lives and injured several others. Investigators say the incident may be linked to a larger terror network spanning Delhi, Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir.

Two days since the tragedy, new details are coming to light about precisely what happened, who is behind the attack, and how a potential major strike may have been narrowly averted. Here is what we know so far.

The Delhi Red Fort Blast

The blast occurred on Monday evening when a Hyundai i20 car suddenly burst into flames near Red Fort Metro Station, sending shockwaves across central Delhi. According to eyewitnesses, there was a deafening noise followed by billowing smoke as police rushed to the spot and sealed off the entire stretch.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the blast was triggered by a premature explosion of an IED that was being carried in the car. The intensity of the blast gutted the vehicle completely but did not cause structural damage nearby — a sign that the bomb was not fully developed.

Casualties and Government Response

At least ten people were killed, while several others received serious injuries. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta called the incident “deeply painful and shocking,” while announcing an ex gratia of ₹10 lakh for the families of the dead, ₹5 lakh for those who were left permanently disabled, and ₹2 lakh for the seriously injured.

Gupta further assured that all medical assistance and compensation will be provided without delay, saying, “Every life is precious, and no family will be left behind in this hour of grief.”

NIA Takes Over the Investigation

Considering the nature of the blast, the NIA has taken up the case officially following directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs. A Special Investigation Team headed by senior officers of the NIA has been constituted.

Officials have confirmed the explosion is being treated as terror-related, though all early evidence suggests the device detonated accidentally while it was being moved.

The Suspect

The car's driver has now been identified as one Dr. Umar un-Nabi, a 32-year-old doctor from Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir. Umar is suspected to be part of the Jaish-e-Mohammed-linked module that had been under the scanner of Indian intelligence agencies for months.

According to sources, Umar may have panicked after raids by security agencies in Faridabad exposed a large stockpile of explosives. He reportedly tried to move or dispose of the material when the blast occurred.

Faridabad Terror Module

The blast in Delhi seems to be linked to a ‘white-collar’ terror network busted in Faridabad, Haryana, just a day earlier. In the coordinated raids on November 9 and 10, agencies recovered nearly 3,000 kilograms of explosives, along with detonators and timers.

The crackdown led to the arrest of three doctors from Al-Falah University — Dr. Muzammil Shakeel, Dr. Umar Mohammed, and Dr. Shaheen Shahid — all accused of aiding the terror module. Another doctor, Dr. Tajamul, has since been detained in Srinagar for suspected financial links with the group.

Pakistan Connection Under Probe

According to investigators, the module may have had links with handlers based in Pakistan, associated with the banned terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

A joint interrogation of the seven suspects in custody, including Dr. Adil, Dr. Muzammil Shakeel, and Irfan Molvi, is being conducted in Srinagar. Sources said agencies were close to identifying the handler who coordinated the operation from across the border.

Forensic Findings

FSL experts have lifted critical evidence from the blast site. Two live cartridges and samples of ammonium nitrate were recovered while tests are on to identify a second type of explosive substance. Investigators confirmed that the IED used was incomplete, which prevented a larger tragedy.

Security Tightened Across Delhi

After the blast, Delhi has been put under a citywide security lockdown.

The Lal Quila Metro Station remains closed to commuters until further notice.

The Red Fort has been shut for visitors until Thursday as security personnel continue their inspections.

While traffic restrictions continue at Netaji Subhash Marg, K-9 squads have been deployed for round-the-clock checks.

Public transport, including other metro lines, trains, and buses, is operational with increased security and frisking.

Al-Falah University Website Hacked

In a related development, the website of Al-Falah University, Faridabad was found to have been hacked on Tuesday. Police say it could be a retaliatory attack or an attempt at destroying digital evidence since the university's case was still under investigation.

IMA Condemns Role of Doctors The Indian Medical Association has expressed its deep concern over reports about the involvement of doctors in the terror plot. “Doctors are the epitome of mercy and service. Any person who abuses this position to commit inhumane acts betrays the trust of society,” the IMA said, calling for stringent punishment in case the accused are convicted. What Investigators Believe Top government sources said the blast was not part of an orchestrated attack, but a panic reaction following sweeping raids launched by the agencies across the NCR region. The premature detonation, according to sources, averted a much bigger act of terror planned for several months. Officials credited "pan-India alertness and coordinated crackdown" by intelligence and security agencies for averting what could have been a major catastrophe. The Bigger Picture While the blast at the Red Fort shook the heart of Delhi, it may have inadvertently exposed a far more sophisticated network of radicalized professionals working under the radar. Investigators allegedly believe that the same network was plotting future attacks around national events. For now, security agencies say they have dismantled the key module but the search continues for its remaining members and international links.

Also Read: Terror Threat Alert: Assam CM Directs DGP to Act Against Those Supporting Delhi Blast