A major security incident unfolded near Delhi’s Red Fort on Monday evening after a Hyundai i20 exploded near the Red Fort Metro Station at 6:52 pm. Initially, nine casualties were reported, but the toll rose to 13 dead and 20 injured as authorities continued rescue and hospitalisation efforts. The blast left the area strewn with damaged vehicles and severely injured civilians.
Early intelligence inputs suggest the suspects may have accidentally triggered the explosive device. Investigators believe the group panicked after several arrests earlier in the day, leading to an unplanned detonation.
Probe Expands; Doctors Taken Into Custody
On Tuesday, officials detained three additional doctors from Faridabad’s Al-Falah University as the investigation deepened. The car’s owner, Dr Umar Mohammad, a resident of Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir, is suspected to have triggered the blast after the arrest of two key associates — Dr Mujammil Shakeel and Dr Adil Rather — and the seizure of nearly 3,000 kg of explosives in Faridabad.
Sources confirmed that ammonium nitrate recovered earlier was used in the explosion.
FIR Registered Under UAPA
Delhi Police have registered an FIR under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Explosives Act.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the conspirators “will not be spared” and assured that agencies will reach the bottom of the case. Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level security meeting and confirmed that every angle is being thoroughly explored.
Helpline Numbers
- LNJP Hospital: 011-23233400 | Emergency: 011-23239249
- AIIMS Trauma Centre: 011-26594405
- Delhi Police Emergency: 112
- Delhi Police Control Room: 011-22910010, 011-22910011
Nationwide Security Tightened After Blast
Security has been heightened not just in Delhi but also along interstate and international borders.
Borders on Alert — India–Nepal Routes Sealed and Monitored
At the Sonauli border in Uttar Pradesh, security forces including UP Police, SSB, and central intelligence agencies have intensified checks.
- CCTV and drone surveillance have been deployed.
- Metal detectors installed across key outposts including Sonauli and Tuthibari.
All travellers are being screened before crossing into Nepal.
Community Groups Demand Unbiased Investigation
Prominent Muslim organisations expressed concern over the security lapses. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board offered condolences to the families of the victims and urged the government to ensure a fair, multi-dimensional investigation.
Board president Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani called for transparency and thoroughness as the case progresses.
Personal Stories Emerge From the Tragedy
Deoria Youth Injured in the Blast
Among those wounded is 22-year-old Shiva Jaiswal from Uttar Pradesh’s Deoria district.
He had travelled to Delhi on November 9 to purchase garments for his business. While on his way to meet a relative, he was caught in the explosion near Red Fort.
Sarojini Nagar Blast Survivor Assists Victims’ Families
In an emotional moment, Ashok Randhawa, a survivor of the 2005 Sarojini Nagar blasts, rushed to LNJP Hospital to help grieving families.
Now 68, Randhawa runs an NGO supporting blast survivors. He distributed food, water, and provided emotional support to families waiting outside the mortuary.
“I understand their pain. A blast disrupts not just lives but entire families,” he said.