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The Winter Session of Parliament is scheduled to begin on 1 December, and the recent blast is expected to have a significant impact on the proceedings. The opposition is likely to question the government over perceived security lapses, while the government will emphasize the prompt actions of its intelligence agencies and its zero tolerance approach to terrorism.
Massive revelations in Delhi Red Fort blast
New Delhi: On the evening of 10 November, at around 6.52 pm, a white Hyundai i20 suddenly exploded in the middle of heavy traffic near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station in the national capital.
The blast triggered instant chaos, thick smoke engulfed the area, the windows of nearby vehicles shattered, and terrified commuters ran for safety.
Firefighters arrived within minutes, deploying seven units to douse the flames. Multiple NCR agencies also reached the site swiftly, and the scale and intensity of the explosion soon made it clear that this was not a routine accident but a carefully orchestrated criminal act.
Senior journalist Manoj Tibrewal Akash presented a detailed and incisive analysis of the Delhi blast in his widely watched show, The MTA Speaks.
High-Capacity IED Used in the Blast
Early investigations revealed that the car did not explode due to a fuel-related malfunction, but was rigged with a high-capacity Improvised Explosive Device (IED). Forensic teams, after analyzing metal fragments and debris from the scene, confirmed the presence of ammonium nitrate mixed with other chemical compounds. The violent destruction of the car’s frame made it evident that the device was engineered to trigger a powerful, high-impact explosion.
An examination of CCTV footage showed that the car was moving normally through traffic just minutes before the blast and detonated moments after halting at a traffic signal. This crucial footage fast-tracked the investigation, prompting agencies to analyze nearly 5,000 cameras across Delhi-NCR to trace the vehicle’s movement.
A detailed route map covering 43 locations was created, revealing that the suspect had been conducting reconnaissance since 29 October, roaming through Faridabad, Ballabhgarh, Badarpur, Okhla, Jamia, Nizamuddin, and several parts of Old Delhi.
Rising Death Toll in Red Fort Blast
The devastating blast has claimed multiple lives. Initial reports put the death toll at 9, which later rose to 12, and at the time of reporting, stands at 15.
Postmortem reports revealed severe internal injuries caused by the explosion. Investigators also recovered a human leg at the scene, which was sent for DNA testing and subsequently confirmed the identity of the suspected driver.
The situation escalated further when police and central agencies raided Faridabad, seizing approximately 360 kg of ammonium nitrate, along with electronic timers, circuit boards, and other bomb-making equipment. The scale of the haul made it evident that the Delhi blast was not an isolated incident, but part of a larger, organized terrorist module.
The investigation identified a key figure in the module: Dr Umar Un Nabi, an assistant professor at Al-Falah University in Faridabad, originally from Pulwama. Evidence suggests he was the driver of the Hyundai i20 involved in the blast. Authorities also uncovered a transaction of approximately 2 million rupees, suspected to have funded terrorist activities.
Among Umar’s associates, Aamir Rashid Ali was arrested and remanded to 10-day custody by the court, while another suspect, Muzammil, also came under scrutiny due to a reported financial dispute with Umar.
Faridabad Links to Srinagar Blast
The case took a significant turn when investigators discovered that the explosives used in the Nowgam police station blast in Srinagar also traced back to Faridabad. This revelation pointed to a single terrorist module operating across a network spanning from Kashmir to Delhi. Authorities have now made probing into the group’s logistics, funding, recruitment, and communication channels a top priority.
“Shoe Bomber” Clue Emerges
Investigators uncovered a striking clue at the blast site: a distinctive boot inside the car. Authorities are exploring the “shoe bomber” theory, suspecting that an explosive device may have been concealed within the boot, which could have amplified the intensity of the explosion.
Scope of the Investigation
The investigation into the Red Fort blast has intensified, with Delhi Police, Haryana Police, Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Intelligence Bureau (IB), and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) working in close coordination to dismantle the entire terror module.
Authorities are analyzing electronic devices, chat logs, email trails, and location data to trace every link. Preliminary forensic findings have led the NIA to conclude that the attack was planned as a car-borne suicide operation, highlighting the meticulous planning behind the incident.
What’s Next in the Investigation?
Authorities warn that more arrests are expected as the investigation unfolds. Agencies are conducting a thorough probe into the funding network, the source of explosives, the channels used to purchase the car, and digital communication trails.
Preliminary intelligence also suggests that the module may have been planning another major attack in December. Investigators anticipate that additional links and operatives within the network will be uncovered in the coming days.
Will the Winter Session of Parliament Be Impacted?
The Winter Session of Parliament is scheduled to begin on 1 December, and the recent blast is expected to have a significant impact on the proceedings. The opposition is likely to question the government over perceived security lapses, while the government will emphasize the prompt actions of its intelligence agencies and its zero tolerance approach to terrorism.
Issues such as national security, surveillance technology, stronger security provisions, and measures to curb terrorist activities will be at the forefront of the discussions. In response to the incident, security across Delhi, especially in and around the Parliament complex, has been further intensified.
Among those arrested so far, Umar Un Nabi has reportedly been identified through DNA testing. Aamir Rashid Ali, believed to be associated with his activities, is currently in NIA custody. Several other suspects are under interrogation, and multiple raids have been carried out in Kashmir, Haryana, and Delhi.
This entire case once again highlights that modern terrorism extends far beyond weapons and explosives. It is a well planned, technology driven, well-funded, and multi layered network. Breaking every link of this network is essential to ensuring long-term national security.