Union Home Minister Amit Shah revealed critical details about the recent explosion near Delhi's historic Red Fort, stating that the blast was executed using 40 kilograms of explosives. In a significant counter-terrorism success, security agencies managed to seize an additional three tonnes of explosives before they could be detonated.
Investigation Praised as "Outstanding" and "Watertight"
Addressing the 'Anti-Terrorism Conference-2025' organized by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Shah lauded the Jammu and Kashmir Police and other agencies for their probe. He emphasized that the entire team involved in the conspiracy was apprehended before the planned attack in Delhi could be fully realized.
"The investigation of this entire network was carried out very effectively by all our agencies," Shah stated. "The investigations into the Pahalgam and Delhi blast cases are not examples of routine policing, but outstanding instances of watertight investigation."
He highlighted that the vigilance of officers averted a much larger crisis, potentially saving countless lives.
Nine Arrests Made in Connection with the Plot
So far, the NIA has arrested nine individuals linked to the case. The arrests are connected to Dr. Umar-un-Nabi, who was driving the vehicle that exploded near the Red Fort on November 10. The tragic incident claimed 15 lives and left several others injured.
Shah also commended the security forces' response to the Baisaran Valley attack in Kashmir, which aimed to disrupt tourism and communal harmony. Based on precise intelligence, forces neutralized all three terrorists involved. Shah framed this as a strong message to Pakistan, referencing operations 'Sindoor' and 'Mahadev' that targeted both planners and executors of terror acts.
New Initiatives and a "Zero-Tolerance" Policy
At the conference, Shah reiterated India's zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and announced several strategic initiatives. These included the launch of an updated NIA crime manual, an Organised Crime Network Database, and a Lost/Looted and Recovered Weapon Database.
He warned that organized crime networks, often starting with extortion, can evolve into terror financing hubs, especially when their leaders operate from abroad. Shah urged all states to collaborate with central agencies like the NIA, CBI, and IB to dismantle these networks.
"Secure borders start miles inward; we need multi-layer grids against cyber warfare, economic misuse, and hybrid terrorism," Shah asserted, announcing a comprehensive assault on crime-terror nexuses.
He also directed police chiefs to move forward with "Trial-in-Absentia" for fugitives, a measure intended to force them to return to the country. Shah called for a unified 'Team India' approach, combining central agencies and state police for enhanced national security.
As India's global stature grows, the Home Minister emphasized that security challenges would rise proportionally, necessitating proactive and technologically advanced measures to safeguard the nation.
