Red Fort Blast Investigation Intensifies
Security agencies are actively investigating whether ammonium nitrate, fuel oil, and detonators caused the devastating explosion near Delhi's historic Red Fort that claimed nine lives and left multiple people injured. The blast occurred on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, sending shockwaves through the national capital.
Forensic Evidence and Recovery
According to police reports, 40 exhibits from the blast site have been collected for forensic examination. These include debris from the severely damaged Hyundai i20 car that allegedly carried the explosives, along with soil samples from the immediate area. Investigators have also recovered two live cartridges from the scene, adding crucial evidence to the ongoing probe.
Forensic experts and Delhi Police suspect the vehicle was transporting approximately 60-70 kg of ammonium nitrate, an odorless white crystalline chemical commonly used in industrial explosives. The explosion is believed to have been triggered by either a detonator or timer device, though officials emphasize the investigation remains at a preliminary stage.
Investigation Challenges and Findings
An officer involved in the investigation revealed that critical evidence might have been compromised. "Some possible evidences were completely washed away with the water that was used for dousing the flames," the officer stated. However, multiple exhibits collected from the site are expected to help determine the exact composition of the explosive material used.
Despite intensive searches, security agencies have yet to find concrete evidence of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in the car. "No wires, timer devices, detonators, batteries, or even shrapnel have been found at the spot," confirmed a senior official familiar with investigation details. A second and third inspection is currently underway, extending beyond the immediate blast site to ensure no evidence is overlooked.
Another official noted, "As yet, we have only found traces of ammonium nitrate from the spot. As of now it looks unlikely if there was any other explosive, but investigation is on."
Terror Conspiracy Suspected
Sources within the security establishment indicate that forensic tests, the severity of the explosion, and the circumstances surrounding the incident are pointing investigators toward a potential terror conspiracy. One official revealed, "It appears the explosive may have been part of the Faridabad haul of 350 kg of ammonium nitrate confiscated on Sunday. The links are being further explored, with some suspects being questioned by the J&K police in this regard."
Explaining the complexity of IEDs, an official stated, "There are many kinds of IEDs, not all require timer devices. Some are pressure induced, some can be triggered with heat, even with acid. We are still at preliminary stage of the probe, nothing can be said with certainty."
Investigators are currently focusing on the links of suspected car driver Umar Nabi from Pulwama. The Ministry of Home Affairs has officially handed over the investigation to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), reflecting the seriousness with which authorities are treating the case.
The Delhi Police have registered a case under sections 16 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) along with relevant sections of the Explosives Act at Kotwali Police Station in North Delhi.
