A powerful explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort on Monday evening killed nine people and injured at least 20 others. The blast occurred around 6:52 pm near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station, ripping through an i20 car. The impact was so strong that a severed human arm was discovered nearly 300 metres away on the roof of a shop in Lajpat Rai Market, opposite the Red Fort corridor.

High-Grade Explosives Confirmed

Officials from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) confirmed that high-grade explosives were used in the blast. Preliminary tests suggest the presence of ammonium nitrate in one of the samples, while another sample was found to be even more powerful.

Over 40 samples, including explosives, live ammunition, and cartridges, were collected from the site. A detailed forensic report is awaited to determine the exact composition of the explosive material.

DNA Confirms Identity of Main Suspect

Sources confirmed that the driver of the i20 car, identified as Dr. Umar Mohammad, was killed in the explosion. Umar, a senior doctor at Al Falah University in Faridabad, was identified through DNA testing that matched 100 percent with samples from his mother and brother. His remains, including teeth, bones, and pieces of clothing, were recovered from the blast site. Following the confirmation, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) took over the case.

Links to Radicalised Network Uncovered

Investigations revealed that Umar was associated with Dr. Muzammil Shakeel, also from Al Falah Medical College, who was arrested earlier in connection with a “white-collar” terror network involving radicalised professionals. Another associate, Dr. Adil Rather, had been detained in Srinagar for posting material supporting the banned outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed. Officials believe that Umar panicked after their arrests and detonated the car near the Red Fort.

CCTV footage shows Umar parking his car at the Sunehri Masjid parking lot around 3:19 pm on Monday. Prior to this, he visited a mosque near Asaf Ali Road, where he reportedly stayed for three hours and offered namaz. Investigators are examining whether he received any communication or instruction during that period.

Forensic Findings on Victims

Experts from Maulana Azad Medical College observed a “cross-injury pattern” on several victims, indicating that they were thrown violently against hard surfaces due to the blast’s shockwave. Many suffered injuries to their lungs, ears, and abdomen, consistent with the high-pressure impact of a powerful explosive.

Eyewitness Accounts of Chaos and Courage

Local shopkeepers were among the first to respond. Rajeev Kumar, a cosmetics seller nearby, said he rushed to help after hearing the blast. “I thought it was a cylinder explosion, but when I saw people bleeding, I realised it was much worse,” he recalled. Ambulance drivers Fizaan and Imran, who transported several victims, described harrowing scenes of mutilated bodies and debris strewn across the area.

The high-intensity blast has shaken Delhi, prompting tight security in the national capital as the NIA continues to trace possible wider links of the terror network.

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