New Delhi: Investigators probing the car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort on 10 November say the blast was part of a larger terror plan that included preparing dozens of vehicles for coordinated attacks — possibly timed for 6 December, the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition. So far, three suspect cars have been recovered and the death toll stands at 13, with about 20 injured.
Key developments
- Law-enforcement sources told media that the accused had planned to ready about 32 vehicles, fitted with explosives, for strikes at multiple locations. The preliminary probe indicates the module intended simultaneous attacks using pairs of vehicles.
- The car that exploded near the Red Fort on 10 November was identified as a Hyundai i20; CCTV and forensics teams are working to piece together the occupants’ movements. DNA and other evidence are being used to identify suspects.
- Investigators say the accused conducted reconnaissance (re-ki) of the Red Fort as early as January, according to mobile-dump data from arrested suspects — suggesting a longer gestation for the plot. Authorities suspect an earlier plan to strike on 26 January was foiled.
- The probe has focussed on a Faridabad-based inter-state module linked to Al-Falah University. Several academics and medical doctors — including named suspects reported in the press — are under investigation; one alleged suspect, Dr. Nisar (also reported as sacked earlier by J&K authorities), is reported missing and has attracted media scrutiny.
- Following alerts across Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, police recovered an abandoned vehicle in Khundawali (Haryana); the NSG bomb squad is examining the car and forensic teams are yet to fully open and process it.
Official response and legal action
The Centre and Delhi Police have treated the incident as a terror probe; cases have been registered under anti-terror provisions and explosives laws while multiple agencies continue forensic and digital forensics work. Security was heightened across neighbouring states while investigations expanded.
Casualties and aftermath
The blast near the historic Red Fort area killed 13 people and injured around 20 others, several seriously. Emergency services, forensic teams and multiple intelligence agencies remain engaged in the multi-state investigation.
A high-level meeting is underway at Home Minister Amit Shah’s residence regarding the Delhi bomb blast. According to sources, senior officials of Delhi Police, NIA and Home Ministry are present in this meeting.