Red Fort Car Bomb Kills 13, Triggers Nationwide Terror Probe and Manhunt; Global Alarm Raised
At least 13 people were killed and over two dozen injured when a powerful car bomb detonated near the Red Fort in India's Capital New Delhi on Monday evening, shaking a 3-km radius of India’s capital and prompting high alerts nationwide.
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The National Investigation Agency is expected to take over the case. Initial forensic reports puzzled investigators.
There were no craters, shrapnel or pellets. Experts say the absence of a crater could indicate the car was in motion at the time of detonation, or that a high-grade chemical explosive such as a mix of ammonium nitrate and RDX was used.
These theories, however, await confirmation through blast analysis. A possible link to a recent Faridabad arms seizure is also under active probe.
The exact moment the Red Fort blast took place in Delhi and the initial moments.
— Snehesh Alex Philip (@sneheshphilip) November 10, 2025
Video received through WhatsApp.
I am now told original source of video is: Prakash Pahal News https://t.co/whq7TH08O9 pic.twitter.com/NgLqoAJGy9
Security footage from over 230 CCTV cameras helped trace the car’s route and registration—HR 26 7674—leading police to one Salman from Gurugram, who claimed he had sold the vehicle months earlier.
A trail of fictitious IDs and multiple ownerships has investigators considering the possibility of a suicide vehicle-borne IED (SVB-IED) operation, common in previous terror strikes. Authorities suspect the car may have been rented, given there were reportedly three people inside, an unusual detail for suicide attacks.
The Delhi Police have invoked the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), India's primary anti-terror law, along with the Explosives Act and sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in the blast in Delhi earlier this evening. May the injured recover at the earliest. Those affected are being assisted by authorities. Reviewed the situation with Home Minister Amit Shah Ji and other officials.@AmitShah
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 10, 2025
Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that "all possibilities are being explored", while Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the situation and issued condolences, assuring those responsible would be brought to justice.
The attack has sent ripple effects across the country. High alerts have been sounded in major cities, including Ahmedabad, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, and Mumbai, as well as railway stations, shrines and airports.
The US State Department stated it is “closely monitoring” developments and stands ready to offer consular assistance. The UK, meanwhile, issued a travel advisory, warning against travel to parts of India.
In a parallel development, Jammu & Kashmir Police uncovered a pan-India Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror module involving nine arrests, over 2,900 kg of explosive material, and radicalised medical professionals working in Delhi’s vicinity.
The breakthrough came after rare JeM posters surfaced in Srinagar in October, prompting a deep surveillance operation.
Blast near Red Fort
— Naveen Kapoor (@IamNaveenKapoor) November 10, 2025
Viral video pic.twitter.com/5aMysTVIS4
Among those arrested were Kashmiri doctors working at Faridabad’s Al-Falah University, just 35 km from the Delhi blast site. Their interrogation revealed links across J&K, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, including a cleric in Shopian allegedly in contact with Pakistan-based Jaish terrorist Umar bin Khattab via Telegram.
One of the arrested, Dr Muzammil Ganaie, was said to have stored an AK-47 in his residence, according to an aide turned informant. Investigators believe the network may have intended coordinated attacks, possibly targeting the capital.
While the cause of the Red Fort explosion is still under investigation, its timing--just days after the J&K module was cracked--raises serious questions about potential coordination.
The car blast incident in Delhi is extremely painful and disturbing. At this moment of immense grief, I extend my sincerest condolences to the families of the deceased. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) November 10, 2025
The use of sophisticated explosives, layered identities, and proximity to a high-value landmark suggest a deliberate act of disruption.
Pained beyond words by the loss of lives in a blast in Delhi. My deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Have visited the blast site and also met the injured in the hospital. My prayers for their quick recovery.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 10, 2025
Top agencies are investigating the incident…
Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and several political leaders across party lines expressed anguish and called for swift action.
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta and Home Minister Shah visited the injured at Lok Nayak Hospital, while the Ministry of Home Affairs ordered an expansive security review.
I convey my heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives in the blast that has taken place in Delhi. I pray for quick recovery of those injured.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) November 10, 2025
The larger concern now extends beyond immediate culpability. It rests on systemic preparedness, gaps in vehicle and identity tracking, and the challenge of radicalisation in urban peripheries.