Delhi Red Fort blast: Focus on how suspects procured huge explosives cache
The Centre transferred the blast case to NIA after links emerged connecting the incident to the Faridabad terror module
The probe into the blast near Delhi’s Red Fort, which killed at least 12 people and injured several others, has been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday (November 11) transferred the car blast case to the NIA after links emerged connecting the incident to the Faridabad terror module, where a large cache of explosive material was seized, PTI reported.
A high-intensity explosion ripped through a slow-moving car at a traffic signal near the Red Fort metro station on Monday evening, killing at least 12 people and gutting several vehicles, officials said.
Meanwhile, security agencies are focusing on how a sophisticated "white-collar" terror module managed to acquire and store a huge quantity of explosives, including ammonium nitrate, the substance suspected to have been used in Monday's deadly blast.
The attack has once again highlighted the ease with which restricted chemicals can be weaponised, with officials trying to trace the logistics and procurement network of the recently busted inter-state terror cell. Ammonium nitrate is a dual-use chemical, widely valued as a popular nitrogen fertiliser and used extensively in the construction sector for controlled blasting in stone quarries. (Scroll down and read all details)
NIA takes over the probe
This is a clear indication that the blast, which has so far claimed 12 lives, is being considered by the government as an act of terror, as the NIA is mandated to probe terror cases only. "The blast case has been handed over to the NIA," a source told PTI.
The decision came hours after Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the security situation in the national capital and other parts of the country following the blast.
Shah has called another security review meeting on Tuesday afternoon. He has said top investigating agencies are probing the blast and they will go in-depth into the incident.
The blast took place in a slow-moving car at a traffic signal near the Red Fort metro station on Monday evening, killing at least 12 people and gutting several vehicles.
PM in Bhutan
After the blast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took stock of the situation and expressed condolences over the deaths. No terror outfit has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.
The police are scanning CCTV footage to determine the route of the vehicle before the blast occurred. They are questioning locals and asking eyewitnesses to share information about any suspicious activity in the lead-up to the incident.
Mobile dump data is being gathered, and dossiers of suspected terrorists are being scanned.
According to a fire department official, six cars, two e-rickshaws and one autorickshaw were gutted in the fire.
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Live Updates
- 10 Nov 2025 9:36 PM IST
NSG team on its way to blast site
A post-blast investigation unit of the National Security Guard (NSG) is on its way to the blast site near the Red Fort Metro Station to collect the traces of materials that led to the explosion, and to investigate the incident. The team is expected to reach shortly. - 10 Nov 2025 9:35 PM IST
CISF issues high alert for key installations across country
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has issued a high alert across the country — including airports, Delhi Metro, heritage sites, government buildings and other key installations under its security cover. - 10 Nov 2025 9:32 PM IST
Security to be beefed up around Arun Jaitley stadium
Security arrangements would be beefed up in and around the capital's Arun Jaitley Stadium for the final day of the Ranji Trophy Group D match between Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir following a high-intensity blast near the Red Fort, which is just kilometres away from the stadium.
“Security to be beefed up near Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium (renamed Arun Jaitley Stadium) on the final day of the Ranji Trophy match between Delhi and Janmu & Kashmir,” Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) secretary Ashok Sharma told PTI on Monday.
“I would be getting in touch with Delhi Police authorities and request them to deploy additional security outside the stadium premises,” he added.
- 10 Nov 2025 9:31 PM IST
Chandni Chowk market to be closed on Tuesday
The Chandni Chowk market will be closed on Tuesday following the blast, the market association said.
“The shops in Chandni Chowk will be closed on Tuesday as there is fear among traders after the blast,” said Sanjay Bhargaw, president of the Chandni Chowk Traders Association.
Bhargaw, whose shop is a few hundred metres from the blast site, said the explosion was so strong that their entire building shook. “There was chaos in the market as people started running,” he said.
Following the incident, several traders’ associations have sought increased security arrangements in crowded commercial areas.
The New Delhi Traders’ Association (NDTA) said several abandoned cars are parked in Connaught Place inner circle parking lots.
“The parking lots are full of illegal hawkers’ goods being used as storehouses. Pedestrian corridors are blocked by big stalls, leaving little room for movement or escape during emergencies. We have requested the NDMC enforcement wing and Delhi Police to take immediate action,” Atul Bhargav of the NDTA said.
- 10 Nov 2025 9:26 PM IST
Blast occurred in Hyundai i20 car: Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah says "This evening, around 7 pm, a blast occurred in a Hyundai i20 car at the Subhash Marg traffic signal near the Red Fort in Delhi. The blast injured some pedestrians and damaged some vehicles. Preliminary reports indicate that some people have lost their lives. Within 10 minutes of receiving the information of the blast, teams from the Delhi Crime Branch and Delhi Special Branch arrived at the spot. The NSG and NIA teams, along with the FSL, have now begun a thorough investigation. Orders have been given to examine all nearby CCTV cameras. I have also spoken to the Delhi CP and the Special Branch in-charge. The Delhi CP and the Special Branch in-charge are present at the spot. We are exploring all possibilities and will conduct a thorough investigation, taking all possibilities into account. All options will be investigated immediately and we will present the results to the public. I will be heading to the spot shortly and will also visit the hospital immediately." - 10 Nov 2025 9:00 PM IST
States put on alert
After the blast in Delhi, alerts have been issued in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, Rajasthan, and Chandigarh.
- 10 Nov 2025 8:53 PM IST
Congress seeks thorough, speedy investigation
The Congress has termed the car explosion near Red Fort as "deeply distressing" and demanded a thorough and speedy investigation into it.
