Delhi Red Fort Blast: 13 Dead, NIA Probes Faridabad Link

A car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort on November 10, 2025, killed at least 13 people and injured more than 20. The incident occurred around 6:52 PM IST when a Hyundai i20 car caught fire near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station. Initial forensic findings suggest the use of ammonium nitrate fuel oil (ANFO) or similar improvised explosive material. Authorities are investigating potential links to a Faridabad-based group where 2,900 kg of explosive components were seized earlier the same day.

THE CONTEXT

Investigations over recent weeks have focused on an alleged network operating across Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. On October 19, Jammu and Kashmir Police discovered posters supporting the banned outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed, leading to a series of arrests of medical professionals accused of facilitating terror logistics.

Between October 30 and November 9, three doctors — identified as Dr. Muzammil Ahmad Ganai, Dr. Adeel Majeed Rather, and Dr. Shaheen Sayeed — were detained following coordinated operations by J&K and Haryana Police. Subsequent raids on November 9–10 in Faridabad’s Dhauj village uncovered nearly 2,900 kg of explosive materials, firearms, and electronic timers.

CCTV tracking later identified a Hyundai i20 traveling from Faridabad to central Delhi on November 10. The vehicle was seen parked near the Red Fort for over three hours before the explosion.

THE KEY PLAYERS (Who & So What)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Expressed condolences and stated that agencies “will get to the bottom of this conspiracy.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah

Chaired a high-level security review and directed agencies to identify those responsible.

Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha

Confirmed that the explosion originated inside a slow-moving vehicle near a traffic signal, damaging nearby vehicles and injuring pedestrians.

National Investigation Agency (NIA)

Formally took charge of the probe under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Suspected Individual: Dr. Umar Un Nabi

A doctor from Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir, is believed to have been driving the vehicle. Forensic teams are conducting DNA tests to confirm his identity.

Key Facts:

• Casualties: 13 dead, 20+ injured
• Explosives recovered in Faridabad: ~2,900 kg materials, including 360 kg ammonium nitrate
• Route: Vehicle traveled approximately 40 km from Faridabad to Red Fort without interception

THE BIGSTORY REFRAME

While most reports have highlighted the link between the Red Fort explosion and the Faridabad explosives seizure, investigators are also examining broader questions around surveillance and detection. The car traveled through multiple checkpoints and high-security areas before reaching the city center, raising concerns about real-time monitoring capabilities.

Forensic teams are assessing the composition of the explosive, as the blast caused significant human casualties but left limited structural damage. Officials have not ruled out the use of modified ANFO or chemical accelerants. The case has renewed attention on the role of technology, inter-state coordination, and early threat detection mechanisms.

THE IMPLICATIONS (Why This Changes Things)

The incident has prompted a national review of surveillance and intelligence coordination in the National Capital Region. The Ministry of Home Affairs has ordered a security audit of major public spaces, heritage sites, and metro networks.

Experts note that the recovery of large quantities of explosive material in Faridabad may represent one of the biggest seizures in recent years, leading to a reassessment of how civilian areas near Delhi are monitored. Meanwhile, traders in Old Delhi have reported economic disruption following the temporary closure of Red Fort and Chandni Chowk markets for investigation.

Authorities have emphasized that the probe remains ongoing, with forensic results and digital evidence yet to be finalized.

NOW, THINK ABOUT THIS

If existing surveillance systems can record but not flag potential threats in real time, how can security agencies balance rapid detection with data privacy and operational efficiency?

Sources

News Coverage:

• CNN – New Delhi explosion: Red Fort blast kills 13
• NDTV – Delhi Red Fort blast live updates
• Times of India – Red Fort blast probe reveals Faridabad link
• Hindustan Times – 2,900 kg explosives seized in Faridabad
• Reuters – NIA probes Red Fort blast under anti-terror law
• The Tribune – Investigators examine lack of crater at blast site

Research & Analysis:

• Economic Times – Surveillance and AI in India’s security infrastructure
• Ministry of Defence (India) – AI in National Security (2023)