A deadly car explosion outside the Red Fort Metro Station on Monday evening has shattered Delhi's prolonged period of peace from major terror incidents, claiming 13 lives and leaving several others with serious injuries.
Massive Explosives Seizure Precedes Blast
Just hours before the devastating blast, Jammu and Kashmir Police made a crucial breakthrough, recovering over 350 kg of suspected ammonium nitrate from the Faridabad residence of a doctor. This operation ultimately led to the discovery of nearly 3,000 kg of explosives, dismantling what officials describe as an inter-state and transnational terror module linked to Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind.
The timing and scale of these discoveries suggest security agencies may have prevented a much larger catastrophic attack. The nature of the blast and the massive explosives haul point toward a sophisticated plot that was in advanced stages of execution.
Expanding Terror Footprint Across India
Recent operations in Jammu and Kashmir indicate that the JeM terror module has significantly expanded its reach beyond the Kashmir Valley. Intelligence reports reveal the group has established new inroads through a white-collar terror network, leveraging professionals and educated individuals to further their operations.
This development marks a dangerous evolution in terror tactics within India, where traditional boundaries of terror operations are being systematically breached. The blast outside the historic Red Fort comes when the nation is still healing from the Pahalgam terror attack that occurred nearly seven months ago.
Coordinated Investigation and National Response
Multiple agencies including the Delhi Police, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Intelligence Bureau, and National Investigation Agency are coordinating the investigation, with the NIA reportedly taking the lead role. A thorough, time-bound probe is essential to uncover unanswered questions and help plug critical security gaps.
The NDA government has maintained a measured response, focusing on factual evidence and systematic investigation. The political opposition has similarly demonstrated restraint and maturity, recognizing that national security matters require unity rather than polarizing politics.
While nothing can compensate the families who lost loved ones in Monday's tragedy, bringing the perpetrators to justice and demonstrating resolve to dismantle the entire terror network would provide crucial closure and reinforce national security.
