Jaish-e-Mohammed’s Hand? Investigators Dig Deeper

The tragic explosion near the Red Fort metro station on Monday evening claimed 12 lives, with three more victims succumbing to their injuries overnight, Delhi Police officials confirmed.

A blast tore through the slow-moving Hyundai i20 during peak evening hours, leaving 25 people injured, of which four are in critical condition. The youngest injured is 21 years old, while the oldest one is 55, indicating that the attack did not spare any age group.

The horror of the incident was aggravated by the fact that three of the deceased were recovered in parts, including limbs and the abdomen, making identification difficult. Delhi police officials have confirmed the youngest victim among the dead is a 30-year-old man, while the oldest was 55 years old.

SC, PM Modi Condemn the Attack

The Supreme Court also paid obeisance to the victims. Chief Justice B.R. Gavai said, “At this hour of grief, the Supreme Court is with the citizens of this country.” Condemning the blast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised speedy justice: “The conspirators behind this will not be spared. All those responsible will be brought to justice.”

Blast Details and Investigation

Investigators have confirmed that the Delhi Red Fort blast occurred when a Hyundai i20, stopped at a traffic signal, exploded. Early intelligence suggests that the attack was carried out using Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil, a high-intensity explosive. CCTV footage revealed the car had been parked near Sunehri Masjid, near the Red Fort, for almost three hours before detonation. To begin with, the suspect's face, later masked, was captured on camera.

The Delhi Police registered an FIR under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Explosives Act, labeling the incident as a "terror-related explosion." police have heightened security across the National Capital Region, with all airports, railway stations, and highways being included.

Suspects and Faridabad Link

The suspected driver has been identified from CCTV footage as Mohammad Umar, a doctor at Al Falah Medical College in Faridabad, and a member of the suspected terror module. Umar is believed to be a close associate of Adeel Ahmad Rather, a former senior resident doctor in Anantnag, who was arrested last week. Reports suggest that the attack was “carried out in panic” following earlier arrests in Faridabad, indicating a reactive rather than meticulously pre-planned approach.

The police have detained Umar's family members, including his mother and brothers, for questioning, and a DNA test is being conducted to identify him. Raids by the police continue at Al Falah University in Faridabad, while other operations in Lucknow have targeted Dr. Parvez Ansari and other suspected associates.

Jaish-e-Mohammed Link Confirmed

Investigations have pointed towards the involvement of the Pakistan-based terrorist group JeM. Dr. Adil from Kulgam, associated with past JeM propaganda activities, is also under scrutiny. Agencies involved in the investigation include the Intelligence Bureau, National Investigation Agency, National Security Guard, and Delhi Police, collectively examining more than 1,000 CCTV clips.

Analytical Perspective: Patterns and Implications

The Red Fort blast shows a disquieting trend of terror modules making the most of the panic and reactive approaches in metropolitan cities. The attackers seem to have been in such a hurry, probably due to the earlier arrests, rather than to carry out an operation along with a thoughtful plan. Such a rash method could increase the chances of making mistakes, leaving both digital and physical trails that investigators are now following.

The strike essentially becomes a pointer to how iconic public spaces in India remain vulnerable, especially during hours of high congregation. Intelligence agencies now face a dual challenge: tracking decentralized terror cells and ensuring quick response and public safety. The suspected involvement of professionals like doctors in terror modules also makes profiling and detection more complex and requires deeper surveillance and inter-state intelligence sharing.

Nation on Alert Following the blast, there is heightened security across major cities, including Gujarat and Delhi's national highways, with more vehicle checks and increased patrolling. Bhutanese leadership has expressed condolences, reflecting international concern over the incident. As the forensic teams continue to work and interrogations progress, police continue to stress vigilance, cooperation by the public, and quick intelligence action to prevent further attacks. While the investigations are under way, the Red Fort blast is just another clear example of how urban terrorism in India has been changing in character-one that demands immediate tactical responses as well as long-term strategic planning.

Also Read: Red Fort Blast: A Stark Wake-Up Call for Delhi’s Security Apparatus