Delhi Blast: Crucial FSL Report Awaited as Investigation Intensifies
The first crucial report from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) regarding the high-intensity explosion near Delhi's Red Fort area is expected to be submitted on Tuesday, according to sources within the Delhi Police Special Cell. This report is anticipated to provide significant clarity on the nature and chemical composition of the explosive material used in the devastating incident.
Investigation Reveals Jammu and Kashmir Connection
Delhi Police's initial investigation into the powerful explosion that occurred outside the Red Fort has uncovered a trail leading to Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. Police sources indicate that the Hyundai i20 car, in which the blast occurred, was allegedly purchased by a resident of Pulwama.
The investigation has revealed that the suspect vehicle entered Delhi from Haryana via the Badarpur border. Authorities have obtained crucial CCTV footage showing the car entering and exiting the parking area near the Red Fort. The footage clearly indicates that the suspect was alone at the time of the incident.
Investigators are currently tracing the vehicle's route towards Daryaganj while examining more than 100 CCTV clips, including footage from nearby toll plazas, to establish the complete movement pattern of the vehicle before the explosion.
Multi-Agency Cooperation and Evidence Collection
In a significant development, the Delhi Police Special Cell has sought critical information from both the Faridabad Crime Branch and Jammu and Kashmir Police regarding explosives recently recovered from Faridabad. This coordination comes in the wake of a joint operation by Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana Police that led to the recovery of 360 kg of explosive material and ammunition from Faridabad, resulting in the arrest of two individuals identified as Dr Muzammil and Aadil Rather.
Special Cell sources have indicated that initial investigations may have revealed traces of ammonium nitrate at the blast site. However, the exact nature of the explosive will be confirmed only after the FSL submits its comprehensive analysis report.
Interestingly, investigators noted that nothing resembling an improvised explosive device (IED) was found at the scene, raising new questions about the methodology used in the attack.
Massive Search Operations and Arrests
Following the devastating explosion, teams from Delhi Police conducted extensive night-long search operations across numerous hotels in Paharganj, Daryaganj, and adjacent areas. During these coordinated raids, all hotel registers were thoroughly examined, leading to four individuals being taken into custody for detailed questioning.
According to official sources, based on CCTV evidence from various locations, approximately 13 people are currently under scrutiny and being questioned. One person linked to the Faridabad module is suspected to have been traveling in the i20 car, though the identity of a deceased individual will only be confirmed after DNA testing.
The tragic incident, which occurred on Monday evening near the Red Fort Metro Station, claimed at least nine lives and gutted several vehicles, leaving multiple others injured. The explosion sent shockwaves through the national capital, prompting heightened security measures across the city.
Delhi Police has registered a case in connection with the blast under various Sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Explosives Act, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, indicating the seriousness with which authorities are treating the investigation.
Nearly 200 police personnel have been deployed to examine footage across various routes, including from the Badarpur border to the parking area of the Red Fort's Sunheri Masjid, as well as from the Outer Ring Road to the Kashmere Gate-Red Fort route, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of the investigation.
