Delhi Red Fort Blast: 13 killed, several injured, probe underway

Early in the evening of 10th November, the heart of the nation was shaken to its very core, as a massive explosion took place near Delhi’s Red Fort area. The explosion has killed at least 13 people as of now, leaving more than 24 individuals injured. The explosion had started from a car blast near Gate No.1 of Red Fort Metro Station, and the fire immediately spread to the nearby cars, which gave it a massive and devastating shape. Emergency services rushed to the scene as flames engulfed vehicles and thick plumes of smoke rose over the historic monument, casting a pall over the city’s daily bustle.

Authorities swiftly launched an investigation, with forensic teams examining the remains of the blast site and collecting evidence. Teams from NIA and NSG were dispatched in no time on the orders of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, followed by the visit of Home Minister Amit Shah to the spot late in the evening. 

The Main Suspects behind the blast

Dr Umar Mohammad, alias Dr Umar Un Nabi, the man who has been identified as the main suspect of the Delhi blast, was in touch with a Turkiye-based handler codenamed 'Ukasa', as per multiple sources.

A massive blast rocked Delhi on Monday evening when a slow-moving Hyundai i20 car exploded at 6:52 pm near the Red Fort, killing 13 people and injuring nearly a dozen others. Visuals from the ground showed damaged vehicles and mangled bodies. 

Leading the probe into the Delhi explosion right now is the anti-terror agency, the National Investigation Agency. It's in its third day. Three physicians from Faridabad's Al-Falah University, where Dr Umar Mohammad also worked, have been arrested by authorities. Officials are also probing into the sale and purchase of the i20 car, which was used in the blast.

Delhi Blast Accused Used Threema App for communication

Accused in the Delhi blast case, bomber Dr Umar Mohammad alias Dr Umar un Nabi, along with two other accused, Dr Muzammil Shakeel, and Dr Shaheen Saeed, were in constant touch on an encrypted messaging app "Threema", sources said.

It further makes tracking difficult because it uses unique user IDs, which are not linked to a mobile number or email ID. It offers end-to-end encrypted text, voice, and video calls, file sharing, and group chats without needing the user to register with a phone number or email.

PM Modi visits blast victims at Lok Nayak Hospital

Prime Minister Modi visited the LNJP hospital this Wednesday to take stock of the Delhi blast victims. The officials briefed the Prime Minister on the medical condition of the injured and the ongoing investigation. He interacted with their families, enquiring about their treatment and recovery. “Praying for everyone’s quick recovery,” he said in a post on X after the visit.

“The entire nation stands with the victims,” Modi said, reassuring that the government would ensure strict action against those behind the attack. The opposition, however, has slammed him for not postponing his two-day official visit to Bhutan and remaining aloof when the entire nation was grieving the loss of 13 innocent lives.

Officials have urged citizens to remain vigilant, and Delhi Police have heightened security across metro stations, high footfall locations, and neighbouring landmarks.