A powerful explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort on Monday (November 10) has shaken the nation, leaving eight people dead and twenty injured. The blast, which occurred inside a parked car, has raised serious concerns about a possible terror plot.
Investigators found crucial leads linking the incident to recent terror activities traced across multiple states, prompting authorities to hand over the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
NIA Takes Charge of Red Fort Blast
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has officially taken over the investigation into the deadly explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort. The decision came on Tuesday (November 11), a day after the blast killed at least eight people and injured 20 others.
Authorities said the transfer of the case to the NIA followed the recovery of evidence suggesting that the explosion could be linked to a wider terror network. Before the NIA takeover, the Delhi Police had already registered a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), which deals with crimes threatening national security.
PM Modi Promises Justice for Victims
PM Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident and said the government would ensure strict action against those responsible. “Every effort will be made to bring the perpetrators to justice,” the PM said.
Dr Umar Nabi: Suspect in Alleged Terror Links Under Watch
Investigators are now focusing on Dr Umar Nabi, a Pulwama-based doctor who owned the car that exploded near the Red Fort. Authorities have found possible links between Dr Umar and two doctors from Jammu and Kashmir who were arrested earlier in the Faridabad terror module case.
Officials confirmed that Dr Umar has been missing since the Faridabad arrests. During that earlier operation, security agencies discovered a large cache of explosives and arrested two individuals suspected of being part of a terror network.
How the Red Fort Blast Unfolded?
On the evening of Monday (November 10), a Hyundai i20 car exploded near the Red Fort, one of Delhi’s most visited landmarks. The explosion was powerful enough to damage nearby vehicles and cause panic in the area.
The car’s registration was traced to Haryana, but investigations showed that it had changed hands multiple times before being purchased by Dr Umar. The original owner, Mohd Salman, was detained for questioning. Salman reportedly sold the vehicle to a man in Okhla, who later transferred it to a buyer in Ambala before it reached Dr Umar in Pulwama.
Multi-State Operations Reveal Explosive Trail
Just hours before the blast, Jammu and Kashmir Police conducted a series of coordinated raids across multiple states. These operations led to the seizure of nearly 3,000 kg of explosive materials, suspected to be used for making improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
In a separate raid in Faridabad, investigators found 360 kg of flammable substances, possibly ammonium nitrate, along with ammunition. These discoveries have strengthened suspicions that the Red Fort explosion may have been part of a larger terror conspiracy.
Tight Security & Nationwide Alert
Following the blast, security has been stepped up across Delhi, with special teams patrolling major tourist sites and transport hubs. The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed all states to stay on high alert and report any suspicious activity.
Officials said, “The NIA will examine all leads to determine if the blast was part of a coordinated terror plan.” The agency is also working with intelligence services to identify possible handlers or foreign connections behind the attack.
