Delhi Blast Investigation Links Detonators to Faridabad Terror Module

New Delhi: Investigators have uncovered connections between the recent car explosion near the Red Fort in Delhi and a terror module based in Faridabad. The blast, which occurred on Monday evening, resulted in the deaths of at least nine individuals and injured around 20 others, according to Delhi Police sources.

The vehicle involved in the incident, a Hyundai i20, was reportedly driven by Umar Mohammad, a doctor and resident of Pulwama. Police believe that Mohammad may have ties to the Faridabad terror module, which was recently linked to a significant cache of explosive materials.

Sources indicate that preliminary investigations suggest that the blast involved ammonium nitrate, fuel oil, and detonators. The police have registered a case under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and the Explosives Act, with further details expected in the final report.

CCTV footage from the area shows a masked individual operating the vehicle before the explosion. In response, police have deployed multiple teams to review footage from nearby cameras and check surrounding routes for further evidence.

The explosion occurred at a traffic signal near the Red Fort Metro Station, causing extensive damage to several vehicles and shattering windows in the vicinity. Emergency services quickly responded, and ten fire engines were dispatched to control the resulting fire.

In a related operation earlier the same day, authorities arrested eight individuals, including three doctors, and seized approximately 2,900 kg of explosives. This was part of an investigation into a so-called 'white collar' terror module, which has raised alarm among security agencies.

The explosive materials recovered included ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, and sulphur, with a significant portion being deemed highly flammable. Police sources have stated that Umar Mohammad was allegedly involved with the Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group, and it is believed that he executed the attack out of fear of being apprehended following the arrests of his associates.

A man named Tariq, also from Pulwama and now in custody, is said to have provided the vehicle used in the attack to Mohammad. The police are examining the timeline of events leading to the explosion, including reports that the vehicle was parked in a nearby lot for three hours before the incident.

Following the blast, security measures across Delhi have been significantly heightened. Police are conducting thorough checks on all vehicles entering the capital, both private and commercial, to prevent further incidents.

"Multiple teams are actively reviewing CCTV footage from the vicinity to identify the masked man who drove the Hyundai i20 car involved in the explosion," a police officer stated. "We are also monitoring footage from various parking lots to track the vehicle's movements prior to the blast."

An overnight search operation was carried out in the Daryaganj and Paharganj areas, where police scrutinised hotel registers and interviewed staff to identify potential suspects who fit the description of the alleged perpetrator.

All police stations in the national capital have been instructed to remain vigilant, especially in bustling areas such as local markets, metro stations, and transport hubs. Officers have been advised to respond promptly to emergency calls and report any suspicious activities without delay.

Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha confirmed that the explosion took place around 6.52 pm, and noted that there were passengers inside the vehicle at the time. Explosives and forensic teams, along with officials from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the National Security Guard (NSG), have been dispatched to assess the situation and investigate the potential for a larger terror plot.

Witness accounts and video footage shared by local traders illustrate the devastation caused by the blast, including mangled bodies and extensive damage to vehicles and infrastructure. Among the deceased are Ashok Kumar, 34, from Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, and Amar Kataria, 35, from Delhi. The remaining victims are yet to be identified, with their ages ranging from 28 to 58 years. One body was recovered from the wreckage of the vehicle, according to officials.