New Delhi, November 12, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday evening visited Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital to meet those injured in Monday’s deadly car blast near Lal Quila metro station in Old Delhi. Returning from Bhutan, the Prime Minister personally interacted with the victims, enquiring about their medical condition and wishing them a speedy recovery. During the visit, PM Modi was also briefed by doctors and senior hospital officials on the treatment being provided to the injured, emphasizing the government’s commitment to their care.

The blast, which occurred in a white Hyundai i20 car, claimed the lives of 10 people and left over two dozen injured, some in critical condition. Early post-mortem findings have revealed that the victims sustained severe upper body injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, and ruptured lungs and intestines, consistent with the impact of a high-intensity explosion. Forensic experts confirmed that no splinter marks were found, and samples have been sent to the Rohini Forensic Science Laboratory to determine the exact composition of the explosive used. Swabs from the deceased were also collected, as metal fragments and other foreign particles were retrieved from their bodies.

Tracing the Suspect

Investigators have focused on Dr Umar Un Nabi, a 35-year-old assistant professor believed to be the driver of the Hyundai i20 at the time of the blast. DNA samples from Umar’s mother have been collected and sent to the AIIMS forensic laboratory for verification to establish links to the suspect. The investigation so far has traced the movements of the car before it reached Delhi, showing it had been spotted on the Mumbai Expressway and the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway, suggesting a well-planned route. Security agencies are scrutinizing CCTV footage to identify any vehicles that may have accompanied the suspect en route to the national capital.

Expanding the Probe: NIA Takes Lead

In light of the blast’s severity and potential terror connections, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) transferred the investigation to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday. The NIA has registered a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and formed a “dedicated and comprehensive” team of senior officers to lead the probe.

Delhi Police officers assisting the NIA revealed that intelligence points to at least two more active terror modules associated with the same network suspected of executing the Red Fort blast. These modules, potentially comprising one or more operatives each, reportedly went into hiding following arrests of associates in Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana. During these earlier arrests, authorities recovered nearly 3,000 kilograms of explosives and other materials believed to be intended for coordinated attacks across India.

Senior officers stressed that while they have partial information about the absconding suspects, operational security prevents further disclosure. It remains unclear whether these individuals are still transporting explosives or whether they have abandoned their vehicles. Authorities emphasized that arresting these operatives is critical to dismantling the network and identifying the masterminds behind the attack.

Statewide Raids and Coordinated Efforts

Multiple agencies, including the NIA, Delhi Police Special Cell, and state anti-terror units, have been conducting raids across Delhi-NCR, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Investigators believe the suspects are linked to the terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and that their plans were in preparation for nearly a year. The case has highlighted the scale and coordination of the terror module, with a suspected network spanning multiple states and involving several operatives.

The Blast and Its Aftermath

The explosion occurred at approximately 6:55 pm on Monday near Gate No. 1 of the Lal Quila metro station. The blast ripped through a cluster of vehicles, including cars, two-wheelers, and e-rickshaws, setting some ablaze. Firefighters managed to control the fire by 7:29 pm, while the first victims were rushed to LNJP Hospital within minutes. Visuals from the site captured mangled vehicles, shattered glass, and burnt debris strewn across the arterial road.

Immediately after the blast, police registered an FIR against unknown persons under anti-terror provisions, reflecting the potential terrorist nature of the attack. The case was swiftly handed over to the NIA for a comprehensive investigation, considering the possibility of a broader network operating across multiple states.

Government and Public Response

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the hospital underlines the government’s commitment to supporting the victims and their families. Officials confirmed that the injured are receiving round-the-clock care, with senior doctors overseeing treatment protocols. Security agencies continue to emphasize vigilance and heightened security measures around key public and heritage locations, particularly in the national capital.

The Red Fort blast has sent shockwaves across the city and the country, drawing attention to the persistent threat posed by terror networks operating within India. Authorities have assured the public that every effort is being made to identify, apprehend, and neutralize all elements connected to the attack.

Conclusion

As investigations continue, the focus remains on rescuing potential victims, ensuring comprehensive medical care, and dismantling the terror network behind the blast. The collaboration between state police, central agencies, and forensic teams has become a model of rapid response to high-impact terrorist events. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s personal engagement with victims demonstrates the government’s dual focus on immediate humanitarian care and a determined security response.

The coming days are expected to reveal more details about the suspects, the terror modules, and the broader network involved, as the NIA intensifies its probe across multiple states, working to prevent further attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice.