Nationwide Security Heightened After Delhi Car Blast Near Red Fort
Security measures have been intensified across multiple states, cities, and religious locations in India following a devastating car explosion that shook Delhi on November 10. The high-intensity blast occurred near the iconic Red Fort in the national capital's old sector around 7 pm on Monday near the Subhash Marg traffic signal, claiming at least 13 lives.
Investigation and Security Response
The vehicle involved in the explosion was identified by Union Home Minister Amit Shah as a Hyundai i20, with authorities examining "all possibilities" in the ongoing investigation. Multiple agencies including the National Investigative Agency (NIA), National Security Guard (NSG), and Intelligence Bureau (IB) have joined forces to determine the motive and identify the perpetrators.
In its latest development, the Delhi police has alerted all police stations, police posts, and border checkpoints to search for a red colour Ford Eco Sport car after investigations revealed the suspects had another vehicle in addition to the Hyundai i20. Five specialized Delhi Police teams are actively searching for the vehicle, with police in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana also placed on high alert.
PM Modi Visits Victims and Terror Module Connections
On November 12, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the LNJP Hospital in Delhi to meet those injured in the car blast. Officials confirmed the prime minister traveled directly to the hospital after returning from Bhutan, where he interacted with the injured and wished them a speedy recovery. Modi was also briefed by officials and doctors at the healthcare facility.
The Delhi police's Kotwali Police Station has registered a case under Sections 16 and 18 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Explosives Act, along with relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
According to the initial probe, the blast might have occurred "by accident" while a crude device was being hastily assembled during transport near Lal Qila (Red Fort). This possibility emerged after authorities busted an inter-state terror module spanning from Kashmir to Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
Terror Module Details and Suspect Profiles
Umar Nabi, a doctor from Pulwama in Kashmir, has been identified as the driver of the explosive-laden car by investigating officers. Nabi allegedly had connections to the busted terror module that was found in possession of 2,900 kg of explosives in Faridabad, Haryana, just one day before the Delhi blast.
The "white collar" terror module comprised eight individuals, including three doctors, with established links to Jaish-e-Mohammed and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind. Among those arrested on November 10 were doctors Muzammil Ganaie and Shaheen Sayeed, both affiliated with Faridabad's Al-Falah University, leading to the recovery of 360 kg of ammonium nitrate.
Investigators discovered that Dr. Ganaie had conducted multiple reconnaissances of the Red Fort area in January this year, according to mobile phone data analyzed by police. Authorities are currently examining Dr. Ganaie's communications and digital footprint to map the module's activities and trace the source of the explosives.
Institutional Response and Ongoing Security Measures
Al-Falah University issued an official statement on November 12 distancing itself from the two arrested doctors, emphasizing they had "no connection with the said persons apart from them being working in their official capacities." The university's Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Bhupinder Kaur Anand, expressed condolences for the deaths and assured full cooperation with investigating authorities.
Meanwhile, Haryana Director General of Police OP Singh confirmed the state is operating on high alert with thousands of police personnel deployed. The security response includes exhaustive checks of suspected hideouts, parking areas, unclaimed vehicles and luggage, along with other standard protocols to prevent further incidents.
The national capital remains on high alert with heavy police and paramilitary forces deployed at all entry and exit points. All vehicles entering and leaving Delhi are undergoing thorough inspections as part of the intensified security measures following the tragic explosion.
