Red Fort blast probe widens: Explosives linked to Faridabad module, Delhi on high alert

New Delhi/Srinagar: Investigators probing the deadly car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort have uncovered major leads connecting the blast to a terror module operating from Haryana’s Faridabad, as forensic experts confirmed the recovery of two types of explosives and live ammunition from the blast site.

According to officials, the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team has collected over 40 samples, including two cartridges, one of them live and traces of ammonium nitrate and another high-grade explosive, believed to be more powerful. Preliminary findings indicate that ammonium nitrate, a common industrial chemical often misused for bomb-making, was part of the explosive mix.

The FSL has formed a special team to fast-track the forensic analysis, with instructions to work round the clock and submit a detailed report at the earliest. “The second explosive sample’s composition is being studied. It appears to be of higher intensity than ammonium nitrate,” said an official familiar with the probe.

The explosion, which occurred on Monday near the Red Fort traffic signal, killed 12 people and injured several others, ripping apart a slow-moving vehicle during evening traffic hours.

Link to Faridabad terror module

The probe has now expanded to Haryana, where 360 kg of ammonium nitrate was seized earlier this week following the arrest of Dr Muzammil Ganaie and Dr Shaheen Sayeed, both linked to Al Falah University in Faridabad. Investigators believe the Red Fort blast may have been a rushed operation following the bust of this terror module.

In a fresh development, Jammu and Kashmir Police detained a Haryana-based preacher, identified as Maulvi Ishtiyaq from Mewat, in connection with the same “white-collar terror module.” Officials said Ishtiyaq had been residing in a rented house within the Al Falah University complex, from where over 2,500 kg of ammonium nitrate, potassium chlorate and sulphur were recovered earlier. He has been brought to Srinagar for interrogation and is likely to be arrested formally.

Tightened security across Delhi

Following the Red Fort blast, the Delhi Police have been placed on high alert, with security intensified across all entry and exit points of the capital. Vehicles are being thoroughly checked at interstate borders including Ghazipur, Singhu, Tikri and Badarpur, while paramilitary forces have been deployed in crowded zones, tourist hubs, metro stations and shopping complexes.

Senior officers are supervising the citywide checks and sniffer dogs, metal detectors and anti-sabotage squads have been deployed at sensitive spots. The police have also urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities immediately through emergency helplines.

“All district units and specialised wings are on alert. The priority is public safety and maintaining confidence,” a senior Delhi Police officer said.

Coordination meetings between the Delhi Police, Intelligence Bureau and paramilitary units are ongoing to review inputs and ensure no further threats emerge.

(with inputs from agencies)