ISLAMABAD: Investigations into the deadly explosion near New Delhi’s Red Fort have intensified following the arrest of the registered owner of a vehicle allegedly involved in the blast, while multiple agencies continue to probe possible links to other suspects.
Conflicting reports and speculation from local media have added to uncertainty surrounding the incident.
According to AFP, the blast killed at least 13 people and injured 19 others late Monday near the Red Fort Metro Station in Old Delhi. Eyewitnesses described thick smoke and flames engulfing several vehicles, while television footage showed cars and autorickshaws ablaze as crowds fled.
Vehicle ownership and arrests
The vehicle, a Hyundai i20 registered as HR26 CE 7674, was traced to Salman, a resident of Faridabad, Haryana, who was subsequently arrested by Gurugram police. Salman reportedly told investigators that he had sold the car to Tariq from Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, though the transfer had not been updated in registration records.
Police said the ownership trail is still under investigation.
“Investigations have been initiated and multiple specialized teams from the Delhi Police, the Forensic Science Laboratory and the National Security Guard are present at the crime scene, lifting evidence to help the investigation,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police Raja Banthia.
Authorities have registered a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), along with charges under the Explosives Act, which governs handling of combustible materials.
Conflicting reports and speculation
Eyewitnesses initially described the vehicle as a compact Suzuki Maruti, while officials later referred to the vehicle as a Hyundai i20.
Media outlets have circulated alleged links to other individuals, including Umar Mohammad from Pulwama and Dr. Shaheen Shahid from Lucknow, though police have not publicly confirmed any such connections. Some reports suggest Umar may have had associations with a group allegedly linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
Several Indian outlets have also claimed that Tariq may have transferred the vehicle to Umar prior to the explosion. Authorities continue to investigate these claims, and CCTV footage from nearby areas is reportedly being reviewed.
Statements from Indian officials
Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that CCTV footage will form part of the investigation.
“We are exploring all possibilities and will conduct a thorough investigation, taking all possibilities into account,” Shah said. “All options will be investigated immediately, and we will present the results to the public.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, en route to Bhutan, described the incident as a “conspiracy” and vowed that those responsible “will face justice.” Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said investigative agencies were conducting a “swift and thorough inquiry.”
Security measures
Following the explosion, New Delhi’s international airport, metro stations, and government buildings were placed on high security alert. The US Embassy in Delhi issued advisories urging citizens to avoid crowded areas near the Red Fort and remain vigilant.
The explosion remains one of the most serious security incidents in Delhi in recent months. Authorities continue to maintain a security perimeter at the site, and forensic teams are analyzing debris to determine the nature of the explosives used.
Investigations are ongoing, and police have cautioned that further updates will be released after initial findings are confirmed.
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