A devastating car explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort has sent shockwaves across the Indian capital. While investigators have yet to officially declare it a terrorist attack, the emerging details and arrests made so far point in that direction.
If confirmed as an act of terrorism, it would be the first such attack outside Jammu and Kashmir or nearby areas since 2007. The last major terrorist incident on Indian soil outside the conflict zone occurred at a German bakery in Pune.
Authorities are exploring every possibility behind the explosion, including the identities of those involved and their motives. Early investigations suggest ammonium nitrate may have been used in the blast. Some officials have hinted that it could have been a ‘fidayeen’-style suicide attack.
The main suspect has been identified as Dr Umar Mohammad, a doctor from Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, who was reportedly driving the vehicle when it exploded near the Red Fort.
Eight people were killed at the scene and more than 24 others injured. Delhi Police, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and the National Security Guard (NSG) responded immediately. The death toll has now risen to 12.
The force of the explosion scattered car parts over 100 metres away. Several pedestrians and auto-rickshaw passengers were thrown to the ground. Search efforts continue near the nearby metro station to recover any clues.
Home Minister Amit Shah stated that all possibilities are being considered and that a full investigation is underway. He chaired a high-level meeting on Tuesday morning to determine the next steps in the probe.
Shah emphasised that it is too early to confirm the cause of the explosion. Forensic samples from the site are being analysed by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and the NSG, and authorities are keeping all options open.
The blast, which occurred on Monday evening, shook busy Old Delhi as commuters were returning home. According to eyewitnesses, fire spread to at least six nearby cars and several auto-rickshaws. Residents as far as Geeta Colony, three to four miles away, reported hearing the explosion.
Dharmendra, a witness from Greater Noida, said, “I heard a sudden, terrible sound from across the road and saw the car on fire. The traffic was heavy, and the car was moving slowly when the blast occurred. The fire spread to nearby taxis.”
The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, with the highest number admitted to Loknayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital, where two more victims later died. Several others remain in critical condition.
Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha said the car, which was moving slowly, came to a stop at the Red Fort’s outer red signal around 6:52 pm, and that is when the explosion occurred. All investigative agencies, including the NIA and FSL, are probing the incident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences on Twitter, saying he mourned the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery, noting that the administration was supporting those affected.
Possible Use of an IED
Early investigations indicate the car may have contained an improvised explosive device (IED). Delhi Police sources said the vehicle was either stationary or moving very slowly, and forensic analysis showed burn marks on the victims but no pellet injuries.
Investigators have found traces of ammonium nitrate at the site, linked to a seizure of 2,900 kg of the chemical in Faridabad, Haryana, on Monday. Two doctors were interrogated in connection with that seizure, suggesting a possible link between the two incidents.
Pulwama Connection?
The car, a white Hyundai i20 with registration HR 26CE7674, entered a Red Fort parking lot at 3:19 pm and exited at around 6:30 pm before the explosion. It had recently been purchased in the name of Dr Umar Mohammad from Pulwama. Previous ownership transfers were not properly registered with the motor vehicle department.
Authorities say Dr Umar Mohammad was a member of a terrorist network, two members of which were arrested in Faridabad on Monday along with 2,900 kg of explosives. It is believed that Dr Mohammad, panicked by the arrests of his associates, carried out the suicide attack alone.
Heightened Security Across the Country
Following the blast, body parts were recovered from the scene, prompting heightened security nationwide. Alerts have been issued in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Mumbai, Pune, and Jammu. Security has also been increased at airports, with bomb squads and sniffer dogs deployed. Airlines have warned passengers that enhanced checks may cause flight delays.
Air travellers have been urged to arrive at airports at least three hours before departure due to additional security measures, which have caused disruptions across the country.