Explosive Composition Revealed in Red Fort Blast Investigation
Forensic experts have confirmed that the explosive material used in the November 10 blast outside Delhi's historic Red Fort contained a dangerous mixture of ammonium nitrate and triacetone triperoxide (TATP). The preliminary findings from the forensic science laboratory indicate that approximately 30-40 kilograms of ammonium nitrate was present in the vehicle involved in the explosion, a quantity sufficient to cause the massive blast that shook the capital.
Chemical Components and Their Deadly Potential
The forensic analysis reveals that the perpetrators created an improvised explosive device (IED) by combining ammonium nitrate with TATP, both highly regulated substances known for their explosive capabilities. Ammonium nitrate, commonly used as agricultural fertilizer, becomes a powerful explosive when mixed with fuel oil, creating what is known as ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate-Fuel Oil).
Experts explain that explosives require oxygen atoms to function effectively. Ammonium nitrate contains three oxygen atoms, while TATP, formed from a combination of several chemical compounds, also contains oxygen and can detonate under certain conditions. This particular combination has been used in several high-profile terrorist incidents worldwide, including the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing that killed 168 people and the November 2015 suicide attacks in France.
Investigation Links and Regulatory Challenges
Investigators are currently examining potential connections between the Delhi blast and the Faridabad terror module, where authorities have already seized 358 kilograms of ammonium nitrate along with other bomb-making materials. The procurement trail indicates that the accused obtained the ammonium nitrate and fertilizers from shops located in Sohna, Gurgaon, and Nuh in Haryana, outside Delhi's jurisdiction.
Despite strict regulations governing the sale and storage of such chemicals, illegal transactions continue to occur. Under current laws, a district magistrate can authorize possession of up to 30 metric tonnes of ammonium nitrate, while larger quantities require approval from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO). The government's System for Explosive Tracking and Tracing (SETT) monitors all licensed transactions, requiring buyers to specify their intended use.
Police Response and Preventive Measures
In response to the security breach, Delhi Police has announced additional preventive measures. Joint Commissioner of Police Madhur Verma stated that authorities are convening a meeting with chemical associations and registered vendors, particularly those operating in Tilak Bazaar and other Old Delhi markets.
The meeting aims to map currently traded chemicals, identify substances that could be misused in explosive manufacturing, and strengthen internal checks within the supply chain. Police will also examine documentation protocols, stock audits, and communication channels between vendors and enforcement agencies to ensure that unusual or suspicious demand patterns are quickly identified and reported.
Historical data shows that ammonium nitrate has been widely used in terror-related blasts in India, particularly before 2012, featuring in nearly every major attack including the 1996 and 1997 serial blasts in Delhi. While most terror groups now rely on IEDs, ammonium nitrate remains a key component in their manufacturing process.
