The car bomb blast that occurred near the historic Red Fort in India’s capital, Delhi, on the afternoon of November 10th shocked the entire nation. Twelve people have been confirmed dead so far, while several others are reported to be seriously injured. The injured are being treated in various government and private hospitals in Delhi. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the investigation since the incident, while the Delhi Police has submitted its preliminary report to the Home Ministry.
Several teams of local police, bomb disposal squads, and forensic experts arrived at the scene immediately after the blast. The location and movement of the car in which the explosion occurred are being continuously tracked. The Delhi Police technical team is examining CCTV footage to determine where the car went and who parked it just before the incident.
Sequence of events
According to eyewitnesses, the blast occurred around 6:45 p.m. A white car was parked about 300 meters from the Red Fort when a powerful explosion suddenly occurred. The explosion was so powerful that the windows of parked vehicles shattered and the shutters of nearby shops shook. A stampede broke out at the scene, with many people falling to the ground, and a thick cloud of smoke engulfed the area.
The police and fire department were immediately informed, following which 10 fire engines and several ambulance units arrived at the scene. The area was immediately cordoned off, and the Red Fort Metro Station was closed for security reasons. Police restricted movement in the area and blocked all surrounding roads.
Direction of the Investigation and Arrests So Far
Following the blast, the Delhi Police and the NIA jointly launched an investigation. Initial investigations revealed that the car was registered in Faridabad. Based on this lead, the Faridabad Police were included in the investigation, and several suspects were detained.
So far, six arrests have been confirmed, the most prominent of which is Dr. Shaheen. Shaheen was already considered a suspect in the Faridabad terror case. During interrogation, Shaheen made several shocking revelations about her links to the terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed.
In addition, Faridabad police have questioned approximately 52 individuals working at Al Falah University. Many of these individuals worked with Dr. Muzammil, who has previously been accused of involvement in terrorist modules. Information is being gathered from these individuals regarding terrorist networks and sources of funding. According to police sources, following these arrests, investigating agencies are conducting raids in several states across the country to disrupt any potential network.
Explosive Materials and Forensic Investigation
The forensic department has collected samples of explosives from the scene. Investigating agencies have sought expert opinion on whether high-grade explosives such as PETN, Semtex, or RDX were used in the blast. According to preliminary reports, the blast is suspected to have involved ammonium nitrate, fuel oil, and a detonator—a mixture commonly used to make improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The forensic team has closely examined the remains of the car, surrounding stones, and pieces of iron to determine where the explosives were placed and how they were detonated. Sources indicate that a remote-control device or timer may have been used in the car.
Security agencies have increased their alert level
Following the blast, the Delhi Police and security agencies have declared a high alert in the capital. Security has been increased at all major religious sites, markets, and tourist destinations. CCTV surveillance, dog squads, and metal detectors have been deployed.
The Delhi Police has appealed to citizens to ignore rumors and immediately report any suspicious object or person to the police control room.
Investigating agencies have also expressed the possibility that the blast may have been part of a larger terrorist conspiracy aimed at creating instability and fear in the national capital. The timing and location of the incident indicate that terrorists attempted to target iconic landmarks in the country.
Political and Social Reactions
Following the incident, the Prime Minister’s Office is also continuously monitoring the situation. The Prime Minister has directed the Delhi Police, the NIA, and the Home Ministry to take strict action. Home Minister Amit Shah also tweeted, “The culprits will not be spared at any cost, and the investigating agencies should take action with utmost severity.”
Opposition parties have also condemned the incident and demanded that the government review the security arrangements in the national capital. Several civil society organizations have demanded financial assistance for the families of the victims.
Conclusion
The car bomb blast near the Red Fort is not just a security challenge, but a serious warning of the growing terrorist threat in the national capital.
