Red Fort blast linked to Faridabad terror module? Initial probe suggests attack was carried out in haste

New Delhi: The preliminary investigation into the Red Fort car blast that killed nine people and injured more than 30 has revealed strong indications of a terror plot hastily executed after the busting of a module in Faridabad, sources in the security establishment said.

According to investigators, the Hyundai i20 that exploded near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station on Monday evening was packed with a powerful mix of RDX and ammonium nitrate. The blast, which occurred around 6:52 pm, set off a massive fire, engulfing nearby vehicles and sending shockwaves across the capital.

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Officials suspect the explosion was the result of a Suicide Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (SVB-IED) attack, pointing toward a possible link with the Faridabad terror module recently dismantled by the Jammu and Kashmir Police. Forensic teams at the site confirmed the use of high-grade explosives, typically associated with organised terror operations.

Complex car trail under scanner

Investigators are tracing the car’s chain of ownership, which changed hands several times — a method commonly used by terror groups to cover their tracks. The car was initially registered to Mohammad Salman, later sold to Nadeem, and then passed through a Faridabad car dealer before being purchased by Tariq, a resident of Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir. It eventually came into the possession of Dr. Umar Mohammad, believed to be part of the Faridabad module. Tariq is currently being interrogated by police.

Officials suspect Dr. Umar was inside the vehicle at the time of the explosion and a DNA test is being conducted to confirm his identity. Security agencies had been tracking him for days, alleging his involvement in terror funding, arms smuggling and operational coordination for the Faridabad network.

Possible panic move after module bust

CCTV footage showed the white i20 parked near the Red Fort parking area for nearly three hours before being driven out just moments before the explosion. Investigators believe the car was moved during peak traffic, suggesting that the attack might have been executed in haste following the arrest of key module members.

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Officials said the attackers may have rushed the plan after J&K Police arrested Dr. Muzzamil Shakeel, from whom nearly 2,900 kg of explosives were recovered. Shakeel’s arrest led to the exposure of the Faridabad network, which reportedly operated under the joint command of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Ansar Ghazwatul Hind (AGH)- the latter linked to Al-Qaeda.

“The Red Fort blast appears to be a Fedayeen-style attack carried out prematurely after their Delhi network was compromised,” a senior investigator said.

Tightened security and global reaction

Following the explosion, Delhi Police filed an FIR under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Explosives Act and several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Kotwali Police Station. Multiple raids are underway across Delhi-NCR, with the national capital placed on high alert. Security has been tightened at airports, railway stations and bus terminals, while paramilitary units have been deployed at key locations.

In a statement, the US State Department expressed condolences and said it was closely monitoring developments. “Our hearts are with those affected by the terrible explosion in New Delhi. We extend our condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured,” the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs posted on X.

The US Consular Affairs Office also issued a security alert, noting that several Indian states had been placed on heightened alert following the blast.

(with inputs from agencies)