A day after a powerful car blast near Delhi’s Red Fort left 12 people dead and several injured, the investigation has revealed chilling details pointing to a possible terror conspiracy with links to a recently busted module in Faridabad.
FIR Registered Under UAPA, Raids Across Delhi
The Delhi Police on Tuesday registered an FIR under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Explosives Act, invoking sections related to conspiracy and execution of a terror attack.
Multiple raids were carried out across the national capital after preliminary findings suggested connections between the Red Fort blast and the Faridabad terror module.
The blast occurred on Monday evening near the Red Fort Metro Station, where a Hyundai i20 car exploded, gutting several nearby vehicles.
High-Level Security Meeting Led by Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah convened a high-level review meeting at the North Block to assess the situation.
The meeting was attended by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, IB Director Tapan Deka, Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha, and NIA DG Sadanand Vasant Date.
J&K DGP Nalin Prabhat joined virtually to provide inputs, given the suspected Kashmir link to the case.
Shah visited the LNJP Hospital on Monday night to meet the injured and assured that “those responsible will be brought to justice.”
Suspect Identified as Pulwama-Based Doctor
According to police sources, the prime suspect is Umar Mohammad, a doctor from Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, allegedly associated with the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) network.
CCTV footage captured a masked man driving the Hyundai i20, later identified as Umar, moments before the blast near the Red Fort Metro parking area.
Sources said Umar had ties to the Faridabad terror module, where police had earlier seized 2,900 kg of explosives, including ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, and sulphur. Among this, 360 kg of highly inflammable material was recovered.
Officials suspect Umar carried out the blast fearing arrest after several members of his module were detained in Faridabad earlier on Monday.
The Faridabad Connection
Hours before the Delhi blast, eight individuals, including three doctors, were arrested in Faridabad as part of a joint operation between Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir Police.
The arrested individuals were allegedly running a “white-collar terror network,” using their professional backgrounds as cover for extremist activities.
Police believe Umar was closely linked to this group and that the Red Fort explosion was a desperate retaliatory act. A man named Tariq, also from Pulwama, is said to have provided Umar with the car used in the blast.
Explosives and Preliminary Findings
Initial forensic analysis suggests the use of ammonium nitrate mixed with fuel oil and detonators — similar to materials recovered from the Faridabad module.
Police said the car had been parked for nearly three hours near the Red Fort before the explosion at 6:52 pm.
“Final forensic reports are awaited,” a police source said, adding that the possibility of a suicide bombing or a larger coordinated terror plan has not been ruled out.
Security Tightened Across Delhi
Following the explosion, the national capital has been placed on high alert.
Security has been strengthened at airports, metro stations, bus terminals, and railway stations.
All vehicles entering Delhi are being thoroughly checked at border points, with special focus on commercial carriers.
Teams have also conducted overnight searches in Daryaganj and Paharganj, verifying hotel records and questioning staff for any suspicious guests.
Traffic & Metro Restrictions
The Red Fort Metro Station has been shut temporarily “due to security reasons,” the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said on X.
The Delhi Traffic Police issued an advisory restricting movement on Netaji Subhash Marg from Chatta Rail Cut to Subhash Marg Cut, urging commuters to use alternate routes until further notice.
Echoes of Past Attacks
The Red Fort has been the target of terror in the past.
December 2000: Three people were killed in a Lashkar-e-Taiba attack at the monument.
December 2001: A major strike targeted the Indian Parliament, killing 13, and bringing India and Pakistan close to war.
The Road Ahead
Investigating agencies including the Delhi Police, NIA, and Intelligence Bureau are jointly probing the case. Forensic experts are analyzing remains of the car and explosive residues.
Officials said the probe will focus on funding routes, logistical support, and the network of sympathizers within and outside Delhi.
With the city on high alert and the investigation widening, authorities have assured citizens that no angle will be overlooked in uncovering the full scope of the conspiracy behind the Red Fort blast.
