Horrific Incident Shakes the Capital

A devastating car explosion shook the heart of India’s capital on Monday evening, near the iconic Red Fort in Delhi. The incident, now being treated as a full-blown terror attack, has claimed 13 lives, with many more injured, and the investigation is rapidly unfolding.

The blast occurred at about 6:52 pm IST when a slow-moving car — later identified as a white Hyundai i20 — detonated outside the Red Fort Metro station, causing a massive fireball and widespread damage to nearby vehicles and infrastructure.

Investigation Fast-Tracks as Terror Angle Confirmed

Authorities quickly escalated the matter to the level of a terrorist incident. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken the lead, and the case has been registered under the stringent anti-terror law Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) along with the Explosives Act.

Investigators have presented shocking findings: the blast vehicle is one in a possible series of synchronised attacks. While the Hyundai i20 was the detonated vehicle, a second car — a red Ford EcoSport (DL 10 CK 0458) — has been traced to a Faridabad village called Khandawali. The man who parked this EcoSport has been detained.

In addition, police are probing a third car — a red Maruti Brezza, suspected to have been registered to one of the doctors linked with the case.

Timeline Highlights

  • The Hyundai i20 enters Delhi through the Badarpur Toll around 8:04 am on the day, travels across NCR, and finally explodes near the Red Fort in the evening.

  • CCTV footage shows the prime suspect, Dr Umar Un Nabi, behind the wheel of the Hyundai before the blast. DNA samples from the site were matched to his mother’s DNA profile.

  • Investigators have picked up a trail of explosives and parts in Faridabad linked to the same terror module.

Death Toll Climbs to 13

The death count has now officially reached 13, according to police updates. Many of the injured remain in serious condition, undergoing treatment at hospitals across Delhi.

The scale of destruction was high — besides the primary car, multiple nearby vehicles caught fire, and shrapnel and debris were reported hundreds of metres away.

Faridabad: A Key Node in the Conspiracy

While the blast took place in Delhi, the investigation has shifted heavily into neighbouring Haryana, especially the city of Faridabad.

  • The second vehicle (red EcoSport) was found in Khandawali village, Faridabad.

  • The suspect who parked the car — reportedly a relative of Dr Umar Un Nabi — has been detained by Faridabad Police.

  • A third vehicle (the Maruti Brezza) was traced to the premises of Al‑Falah University in Faridabad, registered to one of the alleged conspirators.

  • Dealers of used cars in Delhi-NCR have been directed to provide detailed vehicle sale records as the probe widens, checks ownership links.

Why This Matters: Security and Symbolism

The choice of location — near the Red Fort — carries potent symbolism. It is a heritage landmark and major tourist site, making the attack highly public and psychologically impactful.

The fact that multiple vehicles were reportedly being prepared for coordinated attacks signals a larger terror architecture rather than a lone act.

Indian leadership has left no doubt: this is being treated as an attack on the nation.

What Comes Next: Key Focus Areas

  • Tracing the terror module: With more vehicles, possible multiple blasts and cross-state links, agencies (NIA, Delhi Police, Haryana Police, J&K Police) are working in tandem.

  • Vehicle tracking & used-car regulation: The investigation has exposed a pathway where old cars are being repurposed for terror acts. Authorities are tightening rules for second-hand dealers.

  • Victim support & forensic work: DNA testing, victim identification, hospital support, and compensation for families are all major ongoing concerns.

  • Border security & regional implications: Ties with Pakistan-based terror outfits are under examination, and the incident raises geopolitical stakes.

Final Words

The unfolding investigation into the blast near the Red Fort is a stark reminder of evolving terror tactics and the vulnerability of even high-security zones. The loss of 13 lives is tragic; the speed and coordination of the response will be critical in preventing further attacks.

As citizens and observers, staying alert, cooperating with authorities, and avoiding panic are key. The next few days are likely to reveal more about the network behind the blast, and how such plots are conceived and operationalised.

🛑 We will keep updating this story as more verified details emerge.