Delhi Red Fort car blast: When, How & Who?

The white Hyundai i20 became the epicentre of Monday’s explosion near Red Fort Metro Station. Parked for hours at the Sunehri Masjid parking lot, it went up in flames around 6.52pm. CCTV footage captured the car entering the lot earlier in the evening, with the driver briefly visible before disappearing.

The i20’s journey began early in the day — first seen outside a Faridabad hospital around 7.30am before crossing into Delhi via Badarpur toll at 8.04am. For nearly 11 hours, the car moved across NCR before coming to rest near Red Fort.

Preliminary forensic reports indicate that the blast was caused by an ammonium nitrate-based device. Experts have not ruled out the presence of RDX, with the explosion’s intensity suggesting a high-energy mix.

The probe has zeroed in on Dr Umar Un Nabi, a Pulwama-based academic teaching at Al-Falah University in Faridabad. His background in chemistry and access to lab materials have deepened suspicion that he masterminded the Red Fort attack.

The Delhi blast appears linked to a massive cache recovered from Faridabad — 2,900 kg of explosives, detonators, and gel sticks seized near Al-Falah University. Officials believe the Red Fort cell drew its material from this stockpile.

The blast claimed multiple lives and left several injured near Red Fort Metro Station. Families of victims are still reeling from the shock, waiting for clarity on how the tragedy unfolded and seeking justice as investigators trace the origins of the explosive-laden car.

Multiple detentions have taken place in south Kashmir, where suspects maintained contact with Umar Un Nabi. Among them are Shaheen Shahid and Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie, both tied to the Faridabad arms module.

Forensic teams found similarities between residue from the Red Fort site and samples from the Faridabad haul. Matching chemical signatures and identical wiring patterns point to a shared logistical network.

Key questions remain: Was the i20 only transporting explosives, or was it turned into a car bomb? How was the detonation triggered? Officials are reviewing over 100 hours of CCTV footage for answers.

Early assessments suggest a symbolic strike at Delhi’s heritage zone — a high-visibility target meant to spread fear. The NIA is now focused on uncovering the network that transformed an everyday car into a deadly weapon.