Delhi Red Fort blast 2025: 8 dead, 22 injured in car explosion

Spread the love

What are the details of the incident that happened near the Delhi Red Fort blast?

Yesterday, November 10, 2025, at approximately 6:52 PM, panic erupted in Delhi’s Chandni Chowk area near Gate Number 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station. A white Hyundai i20 car was parked there, and the driver stopped the vehicle at a red light. Suddenly, an explosion occurred, and the car was found to contain explosives. It was a vehicle-borne IED (Improvised Explosive Device). Nearby vehicles caught fire. Shards of glass flew everywhere, and people started screaming. Police arrived at the scene and began rescue operations. The forensic team sealed the site.

The NSG (National Security Guard) was called in. The NIA (National Investigation Agency) also took over the investigation. Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha said, “This appears to be a pre-planned attack, and we are investigating from every angle.” Traces of ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil) were found in the explosion. This is commonly used in terrorist attacks. Traffic was heavy at the time of the incident. The car was moving slowly. The driver applied the brakes, and then the explosion occurred. Nearby shopkeepers said, “The smoke was so thick that it was difficult to breathe.” An eyewitness said, “I saw the car. It looked normal, then suddenly it caught fire.” This attack is even more serious considering the historical significance of the Red Fort. The Red Fort is a symbol of the Mughal era. The Prime Minister hoists the flag here on Independence Day.

Casualties and Immediate Response of Delhi Red Fort blast

Eight people died in the blast, including four tourists, two local shopkeepers, a metro employee, and a passerby. The number of injured was reported to be 22, many with serious injuries. They were taken to Safdarjung Hospital, and doctors said most were affected by the shockwave. Some had burn injuries. The government took immediate action. Delhi CM Rekha Gupta called it “very sad and worrying” and announced Rs 10 lakh in compensation to the families of the deceased.

Home Minister Amit Shah called a high-level meeting at 9:30 am on November 11, which included officials from the NIA, Delhi Police, and IB. Shah said, “We will give strict punishment to the culprits. We are increasing security.” A high alert was declared in Delhi. Checking was increased at metro stations. The Red Fort area was sealed. NSG teams were deployed. However, rumors spread on social media. Police warned against fake news. An officer said, “We appeal to the public. Report any suspicious activity.”

The Car’s Journey: How the i20 Reached Delhi

Police tracked the vehicle’s registration number. It was HR-26 CE-7674, a white Hyundai i20, 2018 model. The car’s journey was complicated. It changed hands several times. The original owner was Mohammad Salman from Gurgaon, who bought it in March 2018. Salman told the police, “I sold the car. I have nothing to do with it now.” Salman sold the car to Nadeem. Nadeem transferred it to the Royal Car Zone dealer in Faridabad. Then it came into the hands of Tariq. Tariq is a resident of Pulwama, and he bought the car on October 29, 2025. Tariq lived in Faridabad but was born in Pulwama. Police detained Salman but questioned Nadeem and the dealer. The documents were found to be fake. An officer said, “The transfers were illegal.

We are investigating the fraud and the car entered the parking lot near the Red Fort at 3:19 PM on November 10. This was revealed by CCTV footage. The driver took a parking slip there. The car remained parked for more than three hours. It left at 6:48 PM. It got stuck in heavy traffic. Then the blast occurred. The driver was seen alone in the footage. But police suspect there could have been several passengers after that. The car was then seen near Darya Ganj, Kashmiri Gate and Sunehri Masjid. The route is being mapped from toll barrier cameras. Special Cell and Crime Branch teams are working on it. An officer said, “We are checking the footage of the roads. It will become clear where the car came from.”

Pulwama Connection: The Shadow of Terror

The name Pulwama immediately brings to mind the 2019 attack. The terrorist attack on the CRPF convoy. 40 soldiers were martyred. Jaish-e-Mohammed claimed responsibility. Now this i20 car is linked to Pulwama. Tariq Umar Mohammad is a doctor from Pulwama. He practiced in Faridabad. Police believe that after that, a raid was conducted in Faridabad in the morning. 2900 kg of explosives were recovered there. Dr. Muzammil Shakeel was arrested. He is also from Pulwama and both are from the same network. After the raid, Tariq panicked. He carried out a suicide attack.

The car was already loaded with explosives. An NIA officer said, “It was a panic attack but the morning bust spoiled the plan.” IED material was found from Shakeel’s house. Ammonium nitrate. Fuel. Tariq’s name surfaced and the police detained Tariq in Kashmir. But he escaped. Jammu and Kashmir Police are helping. A source said, “Tariq’s background is suspicious. He used to share radical content on social media.” The Faridabad module seems big. Many doctors are involved in it. They work under the guise of medical cover. Supplying explosives

Investigation progress, evidence and challenges of Delhi Red Fort blast

The NIA registered a case under the UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act), and the forensic team is collecting body parts. DNA tests will be conducted. CCTV footage analysis is underway, and then a photo of the driver emerged. But the face is not clear. A clue might be found from the parking slip, after which the police are checking toll tax records. Where did the car stop? Who was with him? Mobile locations are being tracked. Tariq’s phone is switched off.

Last location: Faridabad. Special Cell issued a red alert. A statement was issued. Checkpoints were increased in neighboring states. An official said, “We are also looking at international links. The connection between Pulwama and Pakistan is old, and there are challenges. Fake documents. Multiple ownership. Witnesses are afraid. But teams are working 24/7. The Home Ministry has handed it over to central agencies. A strategy will be formulated in Amit Shah’s meeting.”

Widespread Impact and Security Questions of Delhi Red Fort blast

This attack raises questions about Delhi’s security. The Red Fort is a tourist spot, but millions visit. Why aren’t parking lots checked? An expert said, “There were CCTV cameras, but monitoring was weak.” The government announced the installation of scanners in parking lots. Metro security will be increased. The pattern of terrorism is changing, with professionals like doctors involved. Cities like Faridabad are hotspots. Pulwama is calm, but the wounds are deep. After 2019, several modules were formed, and the NIA solved more than 50 cases. But there is a new threat. Social media radicalization has increased. Young people are getting trapped, and there is fear among the public. But unity was visible. #IndiaStandsUnited trended on social media. People are donating to the victims’ families. Despite this, an NGO said, “We are providing counseling, helping them recover from the trauma.”

Historical Context: The Story of the Red Fort and Pulwama

The Red Fort was built by Shah Jahan in 1648, made of red sandstone. The tricolor flag is hoisted here on August 15th. Nehru’s famous speech, “Tryst with Destiny,” was delivered here. It is a symbol of independence. Attacks target it. In 2021, there was the farmers’ protest. Now terrorism. Pulwama is a district in Jammu and Kashmir, known for its apple orchards. But on February 14, 2019, a CRPF convoy was attacked, resulting in 40 martyrs. The Balakot airstrike followed. Pulwama is now a symbol of terrorism. But people are moving forward. Tourism has increased, and young people are starting businesses. Cases like Tariq’s are a setback, as are the government’s response and the future path, which Amit Shah addressed in Parliament.

“We will maintain a zero-tolerance policy.” The anti-terror fund will be increased in the budget. The NIA will be given more power. The focus will be on development in Kashmir. Job schemes in Pulwama. Education. So that young people don’t get trapped. The opposition initially supported it, but then raised questions. “Why the intelligence failure?” The government gave an explanation, stating they are vigilant. New guidelines were formulated in a meeting. Border checks. Drone surveillance.