New Delhi, November 12, 2025 — The investigation into the high-intensity explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort has uncovered alarming details that are raising serious concerns about the security of public spaces in the national capital. The blast, which occurred on Monday evening in a parked Hyundai i20, claimed at least 10 lives and left 20 others injured, some critically, at a busy intersection near the Lal Quila Metro Station. Authorities have warned that the casualty figures could rise further as hospital staff continue to treat the injured at the Lok Nayak Jaiprakash Narayan (LNJP) hospital.

In the immediate aftermath of the incident, the Delhi Police, National Investigation Agency (NIA), and forensic teams from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) swiftly cordoned off the area to collect evidence. The forensic experts have recovered over 40 samples from the site, including two cartridges and residues of two different types of explosives. Among the cartridges retrieved, one has been confirmed to be live, underscoring the potential for a far greater disaster had the explosive device detonated in a crowded area or at an earlier time. The presence of such ammunition has heightened concerns about the possible involvement of organized terror networks in the planning and execution of the blast.

The investigation has quickly zeroed in on a suspect identified as Umar Nabi, a doctor hailing from Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir. According to sources, Nabi was allegedly driving the i20 used in the blast. He is believed to have connections with a terror module that was recently busted in Faridabad, Haryana, where authorities seized nearly 2,900 kilograms of ammonium nitrate and other explosive materials, along with firearms and improvised explosive device (IED) components. The recovery in Faridabad was considered one of the largest seizures of explosive material in recent years and had involved coordinated operations by the Jammu and Kashmir Police and Haryana Police across multiple locations in Delhi-NCR, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttar Pradesh.

Preliminary findings suggest that the Delhi blast may not have been a premeditated suicide attack. According to senior police officials, the explosion appears to have been triggered inadvertently, likely due to panic and desperation on the part of the suspect. Sources indicate that following the raids conducted by security agencies to apprehend individuals associated with the terror module, Nabi may have been forced to relocate hastily, transporting explosives in the Hyundai i20. The movement of volatile materials under stressful circumstances may have caused the device to detonate accidentally, resulting in the tragic loss of life and injuries to bystanders.

While investigators are treating this as a potential mishap during transport, they are not ruling out other scenarios, including the possibility of a suicide bombing. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has stated that “all possibilities” are being explored, with multiple agencies working collaboratively to uncover the motive, operational chain, and individuals involved. The Delhi Police have registered a case under multiple provisions, including Sections 16 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Explosives Act, and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Kotwali Police Station, signalling the gravity of the incident and the multi-layered nature of the investigation.

In order to establish the identity and familial links of Umar Nabi, Jammu and Kashmir Police have reportedly taken DNA samples from his mother. Investigators are examining his connections to other individuals arrested in the Faridabad module, including doctors, clerics, and residents from Pulwama and Kulgam districts, all of whom have been linked to proscribed terror organizations such as Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGuH). The ongoing probe seeks to determine whether the blast was a standalone incident or part of a broader terror operation involving urban support cells across northern India.

The Delhi Red Fort blast has prompted serious scrutiny of security protocols in high-profile public areas, especially near historic monuments and metro stations, which are typically crowded in the evenings. Security experts have noted that the combination of live ammunition, large quantities of explosives, and improvised detonating devices in a civilian environment represents an unprecedented threat. The incident has raised questions about how such volatile materials were transported across state lines and whether lapses in monitoring and intelligence allowed these operations to go undetected for a significant period.

Authorities are also investigating the logistics of the explosive material. Faridabad raids revealed that ammonium nitrate, a widely used industrial chemical, was being stockpiled along with accelerants, timers, wires, batteries, and metal plates suitable for constructing IEDs. Forensic analysis indicates that these materials could have been used to create blasts capable of demolishing vehicles or buildings, highlighting the potential catastrophic scale of such attacks. The presence of multiple IED components and the sophistication of assembly techniques suggest that the individuals involved had prior knowledge of explosives and were likely trained or guided by handlers operating from overseas locations, including Pakistan and Gulf countries.

The NIA and Delhi Police have been conducting a multi-pronged investigation, which includes tracing the origins of the explosive materials, mapping the network of arrested suspects, analyzing forensic evidence from the blast site, and reviewing surveillance footage from surrounding areas. Investigators are meticulously examining mobile phones, digital communications, and bank transactions to establish links between the Faridabad module, the Red Fort blast, and potential accomplices still at large. Given the complexity of the network and the cross-border connections, officials have indicated that a coordinated national-level response is crucial to dismantling the terror infrastructure effectively.

Meanwhile, public and political reactions have been swift. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack, vowing that everyone responsible would be brought to justice. Security agencies have been urged to remain on high alert, particularly in sensitive locations, including metro stations, tourist attractions, government offices, and places of worship, to prevent any follow-up attacks. Senior officials have emphasized the importance of vigilance in public spaces, warning citizens to report suspicious behavior or unattended packages immediately to law enforcement authorities.

The Red Fort blast has also highlighted challenges in urban counter-terrorism operations. Experts point out that densely populated cities like Delhi provide limited options for controlling the movement of explosives and detecting threats, particularly when operatives are using everyday vehicles for transportation. The case demonstrates the evolving tactics of terror networks that increasingly rely on “white-collar” operatives, including professionals such as doctors and clerics, who use their legitimate occupations to conceal illicit activities and facilitate logistics.

Forensic teams are continuing detailed examinations of the blast site. Over 40 samples have been collected to determine the exact chemical composition of the explosives, the mechanism of detonation, and any fingerprints or DNA traces that may provide investigative leads. One cartridge recovered from the site is live, underscoring the risks faced by investigators during site clearance operations. The findings of these analyses will be crucial in reconstructing the chain of events and determining whether the blast was triggered intentionally or accidentally.

The investigation has broader implications for counter-terrorism policy and urban safety measures. Officials are reportedly reviewing protocols related to cross-border intelligence sharing, monitoring of chemical purchases, and tracking of suspicious individuals, particularly those with access to laboratory-grade chemicals and equipment that could be repurposed for explosives. There is also a focus on enhancing coordination between multiple enforcement agencies, including the NIA, Delhi Police, state police units, and forensic teams, to ensure rapid detection and neutralization of terror threats.

In conclusion, the Delhi Red Fort blast has exposed significant vulnerabilities in urban security management, the transport and handling of explosive materials, and monitoring of suspected terror operatives. While the immediate investigation is focused on Umar Nabi and his connections to the Faridabad module, authorities are exploring all possible angles, including cross-border planning, potential accomplices, and the possibility of further attacks. As forensic teams continue to analyze the site and law enforcement agencies conduct follow-up raids, the government has pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The tragic loss of lives and injuries sustained in the Red Fort blast underscore the critical need for robust intelligence, rapid response mechanisms, and public vigilance in safeguarding densely populated urban areas. With multiple agencies working around the clock and the support of national leadership, authorities remain committed to dismantling terror networks, holding culprits accountable, and restoring public confidence in the security framework of the capital.