Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday delivered a stern warning to those responsible for the Red Fort blast in Delhi, assuring the nation that the perpetrators would face the harshest punishment. His statement came in the wake of the identification of Dr Umar Un Nabi, a Pulwama-based doctor, as the prime suspect in the high-intensity explosion that killed 13 people and injured 21 others near the historic Red Fort complex on Monday evening.

Speaking at the Delhi Defence Dialogue organized by the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA), Singh emphasized that the government was treating the incident with the utmost seriousness. “I want to firmly assure the nation that those responsible for this tragedy will be brought to justice and will not be spared under any circumstances,” the Defence Minister stated.

Singh highlighted the speed and comprehensiveness of the ongoing investigation, noting that India’s leading investigative agencies were working tirelessly to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack. “From this platform, I wish to assure my fellow citizens that the country’s leading investigative agencies are conducting a swift and thorough inquiry into the incident. The findings of the investigation will soon be made public,” he added.

The Defence Minister also extended condolences to the families of those killed in the blast and appealed for calm and restraint among citizens during the ongoing investigation. “We express our deepest grief for the loss of lives and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured,” he said.

Identification of the Prime Suspect

The announcement came shortly after Delhi Police’s Special Cell and other security agencies identified Dr Umar Un Nabi, a resident of Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir, as the individual likely behind the wheel of the ill-fated white Hyundai i20 at the time of the blast. Preliminary investigations suggest that Dr Umar had links with a terror moduleconnected to a recent seizure of explosives in Faridabad. The module had previously led to the arrest of two other doctors from Jammu and Kashmir, further highlighting the suspected network of criminal and terror activities.

Officials believe that the blast may have been executed following the arrests of Dr Umar’s associates. The car, which had been parked for almost two hours in the Sunehri Masjid parking lot near the Red Fort, exploded after re-entering traffic near a signal on Netaji Subhash Marg, causing widespread destruction and panic. The intensity of the explosion suggested the use of high-grade explosives, likely ammonium gel or a similar substance.

High-Level Security Review

In response to the incident, Union Home Minister Amit Shah convened a high-level meeting to review the security situation in Delhi and other parts of the country. The meeting was attended by top officials, including Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Intelligence Bureau chief Tapan Deka, Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha, and NIA Director General Sadanand Vasant Date, with Jammu and Kashmir DGP Nalin Prabhat participating virtually.

During the meeting, officials provided detailed briefings on the post-blast situation and the progress of the ongoing investigation. Key points included the identification of the suspect, tracing the ownership chain of the vehicle, and assessing potential threats from affiliated terror modules. The high-level deliberations underscored the government’s commitment to swift action and coordinated efforts among multiple security agencies to prevent any further incidents.

Nationwide Security Measures

In addition to the investigation, security was immediately tightened across the country, with major cities including Mumbai and Pune placed on high alert as precautionary measures. In Delhi, the police increased patrolling and surveillance around sensitive sites, including the airport, railway stations, bus terminals, government buildings, and other public spaces. Teams from the Special Cell, Crime Branch, and Forensic Science Laboratory were deployed to ensure rapid response in case of any emergent threats.

Union Home Minister Shah, speaking to the media, reiterated that all top investigative agencies were working togetherto probe the incident comprehensively. The agencies involved include the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the Intelligence Bureau (IB), and the Delhi Police Special Cell, operating under a coordinated mechanism to track suspects, gather evidence, and prevent any further escalation.

Impact and Aftermath

The blast near the historic Red Fort complex created panic in the area during peak traffic hours. Vehicles nearby were damaged, and the glass panels of the Red Fort Metro Station shattered due to the force of the explosion. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes, with people rushing to safety and law enforcement personnel quickly sealing off the site. The car involved bore a Haryana registration number (HR26CE7674) and had changed ownership multiple times over the years, leading investigators through a complex trail before arriving at Dr Umar.

The incident not only resulted in the loss of 13 lives but also heightened security concerns across Delhi and surrounding regions. Authorities emphasized that the investigation is being conducted from all possible angles, including examining whether the explosion was triggered accidentally or intentionally by the device being transported in the vehicle.

Government and Public Response

Following the blast, senior officials and political leaders expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with the victims and their families. The national alert and swift deployment of investigative agencies reflected the government’s zero-tolerance approach to acts of terror. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s strong statement reinforced that the perpetrators, once identified and apprehended, would face stringent legal consequences.

The coordinated response by investigative and security agencies demonstrates India’s robust counter-terrorism framework, combining intelligence gathering, rapid deployment of law enforcement, and preventive security measures. Officials also underscored the need for public cooperation in ensuring vigilance and reporting suspicious activities to prevent potential attacks.

Looking Ahead

As investigations continue, authorities remain vigilant in tracking terror networks linked to the Pulwama region and other potential threat vectors. The identification of Dr Umar Un Nabi and his ties to previously arrested associates in Faridabad provides a critical lead that could unravel the larger conspiracy behind the Red Fort blast.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have reiterated that the government is fully committed to bringing the culprits to justice, signaling a firm stance against terrorism. With enhanced security measures, nationwide alerts, and coordinated inter-agency operations, the authorities aim to restore normalcy while ensuring no further threats to public safety.

In conclusion, the Red Fort blast has emerged as a critical test of India’s counter-terrorism preparedness and investigative capacity. The identification of the suspect, the high-level review of security, and the stern warnings from senior ministers reflect a comprehensive and resolute approach to safeguarding citizens, upholding law and order, and delivering justice for the victims. As the investigation progresses, the nation watches closely, expecting that those responsible will indeed face the full force of the law.