Delhi Blast: 'Accidental detonation' during transport of explosives suspected

New Delhi: The car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort that killed 12 people and injured several others has sparked nationwide alarm, with investigators examining whether the blast was a terror attack or an accidental detonation.

According to Delhi Police sources, initial findings suggest that the explosion may have been an accident during the transportation of a hastily assembled explosive device. The blast is suspected to have occurred when Dr Umar Nabi, a resident of Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir, attempted to move the explosives after panicking over the arrest of his associates linked to a recently busted terror module in Faridabad, Haryana.

Investigators believe Nabi, who was driving the Hyundai i20 that exploded, died on the spot. The Jammu and Kashmir Police have collected a DNA sample from Nabi’s mother to confirm his identity.

“The suspect likely panicked following the Faridabad raids and tried to relocate with the explosives, which may have triggered the blast. It now appears to be an unintended detonation rather than a planned suicide bombing,” said a senior police officer.

However, all possibilities—including that of a suicide attack—remain under active investigation.

Explosives possibly assembled incorrectly
Preliminary forensic analysis indicates that the improvised explosive device (IED) was assembled improperly, which may have reduced its destructive impact, reported PTI quoting an official from Delhi Police.

“The device was premature and not fully developed. No crater or shrapnel was found at the site,” the officer added.

Dr Umar Nabi, originally from Lethpora in Pulwama, was allegedly carrying ammonium nitrate and detonators when the car exploded, sources said.

The explosion occurred on a busy Monday evening, just hours after the arrest of eight people—including three doctors—and the seizure of 2,900 kg of explosives linked to a “white-collar” terror module associated with Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGH).

The Delhi Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) has collected about 40 samples from the site, including mangled car parts and human remains, to identify chemical traces. A special forensic team has been constituted for detailed analysis.

Two cartridges, including a live ammunition, and samples of two different types of explosives are among more than 40 samples that have been collected by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team from the blast site near the Red Fort, officials said on Wednesday.

"Preliminary analysis suggests that one of the explosive samples appears to be ammonium nitrate. The second explosive sample is believed to be more powerful than ammonium nitrate. Its exact composition will be confirmed after detailed forensic examination,” an official said.

Delhi Police registered a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), citing conspiracy and terror-related offences.

Reconstructing Umar’s final hours
Investigators have traced an 11-hour movement trail of Nabi’s vehicle before the explosion. Earlier reports suggested three people were in the car, but police have now confirmed that only Nabi was inside.

He reportedly parked near Sunehri Masjid for nearly three hours, checking online updates about his associates’ arrests in Faridabad. The car then moved toward Chhata Rail Chowk, took a U-turn, and exploded just meters before the Red Fort police post.

The i20, which had changed hands multiple times, was repurchased by Nabi on October 29, the same day its pollution certificate was renewed, raising suspicions of premeditation.

Following a high-level review meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the investigation was formally handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Faridabad terror module and arrest of doctors
Among those arrested on Monday were Dr Muzammil Ganaie and Dr Shaheen Sayeed, both associated with Al-Falah University in Faridabad, where 360 kg of ammonium nitrate was recovered.

Investigators allege that Dr Shaheen headed the women’s recruitment wing of JeM under the banner of Jamaat-ul-Mominat.

A Delhi Police team visited Al-Falah University and detained five to six individuals for questioning. CCTV footage from the campus is being reviewed to identify possible accomplices.

JeM involvement suspected; raids expanded
While no group has claimed responsibility, investigators suspect Jaish-e-Mohammed’s involvement, though links with other outfits are also being probed.

Preliminary tests suggest the use of ammonium nitrate, fuel oil, and detonators in the explosion.

A man named Tariq, also from Pulwama, who allegedly handed over the car to Nabi, has been arrested. Security agencies, including the NIA and intelligence units, are conducting extensive raids across Delhi and Kashmir. Four individuals have been detained in the Valley, with two shifted for joint interrogation regarding both the Delhi blast and the interstate terror network.

Delhi has been placed on high alert, with heightened security at airports, railway stations, bus terminals, and public areas.

So far, seven of the 12 victims have been identified. One mutilated body—believed to be that of Dr Nabi—was recovered from the wrecked car, officials confirmed.